During their first encounter in six years, on October 30 in Busan, South Korea, President Trump walked onto the stage from the left, stood waiting, and greeted reporters below.
Traci Brown, an American body language and behavior analyst, said Trump appeared to have arrived early to claim a visually advantageous position, signaling dominance even before the meeting began.
“He stood on the left side — that’s the power position. Politicians love that spot,” Brown noted.
President Xi was then escorted onto the stage by an aide, who introduced him: “Mr. President, this is the President of the People’s Republic of China.” Trump extended his hand first, smiling as he greeted Xi.
Patti Wood, a body language and nonverbal communication expert, explained that politicians often initiate handshakes to project strength. However, Trump’s gesture didn’t fully convey that power.
“In the initial greeting, it was interesting to see Trump turn his palm upward. That’s unusual — it reflects a more deferential attitude,” Wood observed.
Brown added that Trump’s open palm likely signaled a welcoming, hospitable tone, rather than an attempt to dominate immediately. As the interaction continued, Trump began using more assertive gestures — patting Xi’s back and briefly tightening his grip — subtle cues meant to reassert control.
Wood noted that Trump’s physical contact was consistent with his usual style: “He did what he often does — pulling Xi’s hand slightly toward himself. That pulling motion is a display of dominance, rather than a neutral handshake.”
Trump also held Xi’s hand longer than expected — something uncommon in diplomatic settings. “Once again, he repeated this pattern. While it’s his trademark move, in high-level diplomacy, a handshake should not turn into a perceived power struggle,” Wood said.
Typically, leaders shake hands 3–5 times before letting go. Yet Trump held on until reporters began asking questions. According to Wood, Xi leaned slightly toward the journalists — a cue that he was ready to end the greeting — but Trump maintained his grip.
“In a normal handshake, both maintain equal arm distance,” Wood explained. “When Trump pulled Xi’s hand closer and kept it in front of him, it was a clear assertion of dominance.”
After analyzing hundreds of political handshakes, Wood noted that such greetings usually end with a natural smile or a light joke. However, Trump’s smile appeared somewhat forced as he remarked that Xi was a “tough negotiator.”
When the photo opportunity ended, Trump gestured for Xi to exit the stage to their left, saying, “Let’s go.” Yet an aide’s voice directed them to go the other way. Trump seemed momentarily confused, asking “Which way?” before turning right to follow Xi.
“To me, that moment was awkward,” Wood commented, suggesting it slightly undercut the powerful image Trump had projected earlier — “because he didn’t seem sure where to go.”