Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visited the National Archives in Washington on September 25, joined by US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump. This visit was the final activity of the Chinese leader's trip to the US.
Upon their arrival, Xi, Trump, and their wives ascended the building's steps. Observers noted Xi and Peng holding hands, a contrast to Melania, who appeared to maintain a distance from Trump.
Patti Wood, a body language expert at Emory University, noted that the Chinese couple's hand-holding appeared natural, and they walked in sync.
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US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and his wife Peng Liyuan descend the steps after visiting the US National Archives. AFP
"That speaks volumes about their relationship and the naturalness of their affection", Wood stated. "In Eastern culture, spouses do not always hold hands, making this gesture particularly beautiful".
Wood added that while Xi and Peng released their hands before entering the building, their body language remained "in sync". In contrast, Trump and Melania stood noticeably apart at the same moment.
Inside, the US president presented historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, to Xi and Peng.
During the tour, Wood observed a "gesture of shared participation" between Peng and Xi.
"She stepped behind her husband and touched him as he leaned down to look", Wood explained, describing Peng Liyuan's gesture as graceful and natural.
The two leaders view the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Viory
Xi responded by allowing his wife to approach from behind and stand close, enabling them to view the document together. Conversely, Trump and Melania appeared to avoid active connection, maintaining distance even while moving.
It was only upon exiting the National Archives and bidding farewell to the Xis that President Trump appeared to reach for his wife's hand on the final steps.
Wood described Trump's action as a "sudden hand-hold", noting that it surprised Melania, whose body "did not truly relax or naturally lean towards him".
Trump holds Melania's hand while seeing off Xi and his wife. Viory
Afterwards, the US first lady walked slightly ahead of Trump as they descended the stairs. Wood interpreted this as a gesture of support, adding, "She received that gesture gracefully".
After bidding farewell to the Xis, Trump continued to hold his wife's hand as they walked towards their armored car. Wood observed that this appeared more natural than their initial arrival.
The hand-holding between Peng and Xi had garnered attention earlier, upon their arrival in the US on September 23, as they descended the airplane stairs. Peng walked alongside her husband, holding his hand firmly, using his arm as a support.
Peng and Xi disembark from the plane at Joint Base Andrews on September 23. Reuters, CNA
The visit to the National Archives concluded Xi's three-day US trip. Despite the leaders emphasizing personal diplomacy during their meetings, no major breakthroughs were achieved on contentious issues, including trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and China's relationship with Iran.
By Hoang Lan (Sources: SCMP, AFP)
