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World
A Beijing summit between Trump and Xi revealed contrasting leadership styles through body language, despite ongoing trade and Taiwan disputes.
A summit in Beijing between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was marked by outward warmth, even as deep disagreements over trade, Taiwan, Iran, and rare earth minerals persist. The two leaders exchanged handshakes and took a long walking tour, with Trump touching Xi’s arm multiple times—a gesture analysts interpreted as an attempt to project closeness, according to the New York Times.
Analysts noted that “body language” exposed a clear contrast in their styles: Trump appeared more open, animated, and expressive, while Xi remained calm, measured, and formal. Some described this dynamic as “handshake diplomacy.”
Observers pointed out that the summit’s atmosphere was warmer compared to Trump’s previous meetings with U.S. allies, with tension replaced by direct communication, smiles, and a red-carpet escort.
Among the notable moments was what experts called Trump’s “crushing handshake,” a trademark of his past encounters. Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said Trump “slapped Xi’s hand with his left hand several times, indicating he was showing extra warmth.” Experts told the newspaper that body language suggested both leaders were adopting a conciliatory posture, each in their own way, reflecting the complex relationship between their nations.
Since the Trump administration’s hostile trade moves against China last year and Beijing’s countermeasures, both countries have adopted a temporary truce. During a walk accompanied by military music and children waving flags of both nations, Trump smiled and clapped, while Xi limited himself to small hand gestures—a difference experts saw as reflecting personal style.
Trump appeared more inclined toward visual and kinetic interaction with his surroundings, while Xi maintained a more reserved demeanor, focused on cameras and official presence, underscoring differences in leadership approach.
Comparing the summit to a previous encounter in South Korea, the New York Times report noted that meeting was more tense, with Trump doing most of the talking while Xi remained quieter, at a time when trade relations were at their peak of strain. During the 2026 summit, however, Trump made positive remarks, calling Xi a “great leader” and praising both countries’ ability to “overcome difficulties.”
At a televised official banquet, Trump said: “The relationship between the United States and China will be better than ever,” adding, “It’s an honor to be with you, and it’s an honor to be your friend.” Xi’s remarks were more cautious and formal, emphasizing the need to handle the Taiwan issue carefully, warning of escalation risks, and referencing historical experiences. Xi stated: “The common interests between China and the United States outweigh their differences,” adding that “stability in bilateral relations is a gain for the world.”
A parallel report indicated that the narratives from both sides about the talks’ content diverged significantly. Ryan Hass, a China scholar at the Brookings Institution, wrote on social media: “The two reports, when read side by side, describe two completely different meetings.” While the U.S. side focused on Chinese investments, U.S. oil purchases, and halting fentanyl production, Beijing’s report addressed Taiwan and improving “strategic stability.”
Melanie Hart, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Global China Center, said: “Both leaders believe they can gain from the other,” but “what each side wants is radically different from the other.” While the summit publicly projected an atmosphere of rapprochement and calm, the substance of disagreements between Washington and Beijing remains, with ongoing divergence over trade, Taiwan, and rare earth minerals, reflecting the complexity of relations between the world’s two largest powers.
