Trump hails their ‘great friendship’. Does Xi feel the same?

President Donald Trump, during his state visit to the White House, went out of his way to appear as the closest of friends with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Throughout the visit, Trump frequently touched Xi, a gesture of camaraderie, and repeatedly praised their "truly great friendship." At times, Xi engaged in the playfulness, laughing at Trump's jokes, but during his formal remarks, Xi strove for a more diplomatic tone, emphasizing that the two nations must coexist peacefully and set out China's red lines on key issues.

Despite the playful demeanor, analysts noted that Trump's actions were driven by a personal desire to foster a friendship with Xi, contrasting with his adversarial stance during his first term. Xi, on the other hand, appears to be using this opportunity to assert the respect China deserves as the "middle kingdom," as the visit marks the first time a US president has greeted a Chinese leader at the airport.