Body language expert analyzes gestures during Trump-Xi summit in Washington

From firm handshakes and arm touches to bows and laughs, an expert decodes the gestures as the two leaders meet in Washington

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 world’s two largest economies. A body language expert who reviewed the interactions said Trump’s gestures appeared to assert dominance, while Xi remained formal but comfortable.

Their interactions began when the US president and first lady Melania Trump met Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan at the bottom of the aircraft steps at Joint Base Andrews, a gesture Patti Wood, a body language expert, said showed respect for the Chinese leader.

“You know, the president doesn’t always come to the tarmac to do that. To me, again, that’s symbolic,” Wood said, noting that Xi looked very comfortable at the end of the airport greeting.