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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

Charm, whispers and pats on the back: Xi and Trump break summit ice with loads of warmth

Amid a bruising trade war, the two leaders rekindle friendly tone ahead of their first face-to-face encounter in six years

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US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk as they leave a bilateral meeting in South Korea on Thursday. With many deals already finalised ahead of the meeting, the two leaders had plenty of space for cordiality. Photo: Reuters
Alyssa Chenin Busan
With smiles, firm handshakes and warm gestures, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump set a cordial, friendly tone before their historic summit. More than an hour and a half later, they emerged from their first face-to-face encounter in six years with the same genial manner.
In front of reporters before the meeting in Busan, South Korea, a grinning Trump said “Good to see you again” as the two leaders shook hands. “Me too,” Xi replied through an interpreter.

Trump predicted the summit would be “very successful”. “He’s a tough negotiator – that’s not good,” he said, before giving the Chinese leader a friendly pat on the back.

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Trump referred to Xi as his “friend”, praising him as a “very distinguished and respected president” and “a great leader of a great country”. After they sat down, Trump said he was optimistic about their future ties: “I expect we’ll have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time.”

Xi reciprocated the sentiment in his opening remarks, saying he felt a “warm” sense upon seeing Trump again.

After the summit concluded 100 minutes later, Trump and Xi walked out together at Gimhae Air Base and smiled before sharing a final handshake. Trump whispered something to Xi before walking the Chinese leader to his car.

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