Story perspectives

Trump-Xi Handshake Sparks Debate, Xi Warns US-China Tensions

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump met President Xi Jinping in Beijing and exchanged a handshake.
Video showed President Donald Trump pulling President Xi Jinping’s hand President Xi Jinping kept his elbow tucked.
Online users called the gesture a juvenile power move and praised President Xi Jinping.
President Donald Trump praised his relationship with President Xi Jinping, while President Xi Jinping warned U.S.–China ties are vital and asked about the Thucydides trap.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump met President Xi Jinping in Beijing and exchanged a handshake.
Video showed President Donald Trump pulling President Xi Jinping’s hand President Xi Jinping kept his elbow tucked.
Online users called the gesture a juvenile power move and praised President Xi Jinping.
President Donald Trump praised his relationship with President Xi Jinping, while President Xi Jinping warned U.S.–China ties are vital and asked about the Thucydides trap.