Donald Trump had plenty of kind words for China’s President Xi Jinping during their latest encounter, but one body language specialist has suggested a key gesture may have carried a less “friendly” message.
Trump has made his first visit to Beijing in nearly ten years, and the optics of the trip have been closely watched.
When the two leaders met, they shared an extended handshake, and Trump also wrapped an arm around Xi.
“You’re a great leader.
“Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”
Trump continued in the same vein during the exchange.
‘honoured to be his friend’
Still, one body language expert said the moment may have projected something more patronising than warm.
‘condescending’
Speaking on behalf of OLBG, body language expert Darren Stanton said:
“This is probably the most telling footage I’ve seen in terms of Trump trying to come across as the dominant figure in the room. He puts his arm around Xi, and that’s actually quite a condescending gesture.”
He added:
“We see this a lot with politicians; any kind of hand placed on someone’s back might look reassuring or friendly on the surface, but in body language terms, it’s what we’d call a power pat or power gesture.”
Stanton suggested the display was linked to Trump wanting to emphasise control in a relationship involving a major global rival.
‘protect strength and authority’
‘such a major super power’
Even so, he later indicated the atmosphere appeared generally positive.
‘seemed like a fairly convivial one,’
‘viewed positively overall’
He concluded:
“But essentially, Trump was up to his usual tricks again, trying to subtly position himself as the top dog in the room,”
Later, the mood appeared to shift when Trump was pressed on Taiwan.
After visiting the Temple of Heaven, he stopped to take questions from a reporter about the talks.
At first, Trump responded positively about the meeting.
‘great’
“Incredible. China is beautiful,”
But when the reporter asked whether Taiwan had been discussed, Trump reportedly offered no reply.
Separately, The Guardian reported that the US was:
‘issued a warning’
It also said Xi cautioned the two nations could:
‘come into conflict’
The issue remains sensitive, with Xi pushing for Taiwan to be brought under Beijing’s control, while Taiwan continues to operate as a self-governing entity.