{
  "id": 9645954,
  "title": "Pat on the back? Xi and Trump’s body language speaks volumes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/pat-on-the-back-xi-and-trumps-body-language-speaks-volumes-9645954",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T22:47:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
    "slug": "reuters-business-via-scmp",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/us/article/3368725/pat-back-xi-and-trumps-body-language-speaks-volumes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump exchanged body language signals during their high-stakes summit in Washington. Body language expert Patti Wood analyzed their interactions and noted Trump's gestures appeared to assert dominance, while Xi remained formal but comfortable. Xi's shoulder stance and walking style were normal for him, indicating no change from his typical demeanor in formal visits. Trump's downward-tilted chin while walking towards Xi projected less authority than a chin-up stance. During the handshake, Trump patted Xi on the upper arm, which projects hierarchy and symbolically says \"I am better\" than you. Xi reciprocated by patting Trump on the back, a gesture that may have been a way to neutralize the perceived dominance. Trump also walked Xi along the White House colonnade and stopped at the Presidential Walk of Fame, where they looked at framed pictures. Trump pointed to his own portrait, then to former President Joe Biden's place, fueling claims that an autopen, rather than Biden, was effectively running the presidency. The two first ladies, Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan, were observed having a relaxed moment away from the formalities of their husbands' meeting, smiling and gazing at each other.",
  "summary": "Arm touches, laughs, and firm handshakes were on display as Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Donald Trump began their high-stakes summit in Washington, which has so far featured a rare airport welcome, military pageantry and closed-door bilateral talks. While the outcomes of the pair’s discussions are being closely watched, so are the exchanges between the leaders of the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Trump's downward-tilted chin during the walk suggested less authority than a chin-up stance.",
    "Trump patted Xi on the upper arm, projecting hierarchy and dominance.",
    "Xi reciprocated with a pat on the back, potentially neutralizing perceived dominance."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Pat on the back? Xi and Trump’s body language speaks volumes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/pat-on-the-back-xi-and-trumps-body-language-speaks-volumes",
        "published": "2026-09-24T22:47:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}