World3 min(s) read
Published 12:02 15 May 2026 GMT
It feels like the US media has hyper-analyzed the interactions between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping during this week's State visit.
In all fairness, there has been a lot to unpack from the important meeting between the world leaders.
Before the leaders sat down to discuss political matters, there seemed to be a scuffle between media outlets from the nations, as an operator was told to "get the f*** out" in a chaotic video from the venue.
The cameraperson manages to capture the fiery exchange, with Trump posting the footage on his Truth Social account with the caption: “HOT MIC IN CHINA: 'Get the F*CK out of here!' unknown voice says as the press and cameras struggle when President Trump and Xi walk in.”
Body language experts have also delved into the exchanges between Xi and Trump, including what their handshake signified.
Xi also shot a warning at Trump about how the US will handle ongoing tensions with Taiwan, while it was also reported that the US leader refused to answer questions about the subject.
But now, experts are claiming that President Xi carried out an unusual tactic to give him the upper hand over his American counterpart.
Scott Rouse, a body language expert, has suggested that the Chinese leader might have put on lifts, after a reporter pointed out their listed heights.
The Newsmax news reporter pointed out: "I was surprised at how tall President Xi is. Donald Trump, was at one point 6'3". He might be 6'1.5" or 6'2" now.
"President Xi is 5'11" on a good day. Could he be wearing lifts or something, because how did he get taller?"
The body language expert on the news report seemingly agreed without hesitation, claiming: "Yeah, of course he could be wearing lifts.
"The Chinese will go to any length they possibly can, not to make themselves look like they're capitulating to the president, certainly to President Donald Trump. This is not Joe Biden.
"I wouldn't put it past the Chinese to put lifts in his shoes, maybe even somehow elevate where he's going to be standing."
The outrageous claims went on, as Rouse added: "There isn't anything that the Chinese do that isn't carefully choreographed and focused towards making them try to look better than anything that the Americans can send over there."
The reporter reiterated that he "looks taller than Trump," while being adamant that he's "definitely not taller."
Experts also analyzed the leaders' first handshake on camera, which was reportedly an indicator of their relationship.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, body language expert Judi James revealed that the handshake was very telling, as Trump made the first move, despite Xi being the host.
She said: "It was Trump instigating the handshake by throwing his own hand out, palm tilted upward, from a few paces away.
"The one instigating the shake gets an early sense of dominance, which is why it is usually the host."
The handshake between Trump and Xi lasted a full 10 seconds, with the former administering several small pats which may have been more meaningful than we'd thought.
James claimed: "When the hands are juddering together, Trump pats Xi's hand, twice at first, then three times with the first of the third pats being prolonged in a move that suggests a desire to cement the relationship."
