What Donald Trump and Xi Jinping revealed in the body language with their wives
As Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump wrapped up their three-day state visit on Friday, a stark contrast in the two presidential couples’ hand-holding dynamics was on display, body language experts said. The exchanges between Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, and Trump and first lady Melania Trump, were closely followed on the trip, with the couples’ activities together on Friday…
Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump concluded their three-day state visit with divergent body language dynamics involving their respective spouses, according to body language experts. As the two presidential couples wrapped up their engagements at the National Archives Museum in Washington, their interactions revealed differing levels of rapport and connection.
Upon arrival, the Chinese couple held hands as they ascended the building's stairs, a gesture perceived as natural and indicative of a strong relationship. In contrast, the Trumps maintained a wider distance between them while walking, displaying a lack of synchronization and stiffness in their postures, which experts interpreted as potential tension between the two couples.
Inside the museum, US President Trump led Xi and Peng on a historical tour of significant documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. During a tour, Peng subtly approached her husband from behind, a gesture Wood described as "playing", indicating a shared moment of intimacy. Xi reciprocated the touch, further strengthening their bond.
As they exited the museum, the Trumps once again held hands, with Trump reaching out to his wife. However, his gesture was deemed abrupt and less natural, with his wife's body not fully relaxing in response. The Trumps walked together to their car, which Wood interpreted as more natural than their initial arrival. Yet, even this handhold displayed tension.
Former body language expert Lillian Glass, who has testified in court on behavioral analysis, noted a notable difference in the body language of the two couples. She observed that Xi frequently inclined his head towards Trump, and his entire body oriented in Trump's direction. Trump reciprocated by turning directly towards Xi, both men exhibiting warmth, attentiveness, and respect in their interactions. Glass also highlighted Melania's engagement with Xi, as she smiled and remained visibly attentive during their encounter.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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