What Donald Trump and Xi Jinping revealed in the body language with their wives
Body language experts analyzed the interactions between Donald Trump and Melania Trump compared to Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan during a state visit. The analysis suggested a stark contrast in intimacy and synchronization between the two couples.
Why it matters
Public perception of political leaders is often shaped by non-verbal cues, which can influence diplomatic optics and public opinion.
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 culminating in an outing at the National Archives Museum in Washington.
The couples’ divergent interactions offered a glimpse into their dynamics, according to body language expert Patti Wood.
Upon their arrival, the couples walked up the building’s stairs together. Xi and Peng held hands as they walked, a gesture that appeared natural, said Wood, who added that the pair walked closely in sync.
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