Body language specialists say Chinese President Xi Jinping got here throughout as extra relaxed and commanding than his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at Monday’s televised first assembly of Xi’s state go to to Moscow.
Western nations are sure to pore over each element of the talks between two of the world’s strongest however secretive leaders, as Putin seeks Xi’s backing for the invasion of Ukraine and his assist in filling the gaps in commerce left by sweeping Western sanctions.
Karen Leong, managing director of Singapore-headquartered Influence Solutions, mentioned Xi had pre-empted Putin by a split-second in reaching out for his or her set-piece handshake, suggesting that “even though he is the one visiting Moscow, he is the one who is going to be taking the lead in this relationship.”
Louise Mahler, a physique language and management conduct professional primarily based in Melbourne, Australia, took an analogous view, noting that Xi had positioned his hand on high of Putin’s, one thing that might additionally point out a measure of dominance within the alternate.
When they sat collectively for well mannered exchanges by translators, greeting one another as “dear friend,” Mahler mentioned Putin had slouched, twitched his leg, clenched his fist and seemed on the ground, suggesting underlying agitation.
Xi, in the meantime, appeared “settled and confident.”
Leong seen the identical tics in Putin, contrasting with an outwardly relaxed demeanor.
“If you juxtapose it with Xi, Xi is the composed statesman,” she mentioned. “He has a lot of gravitas, great eye contact, he is looking at Putin as an older brother looks…[at a] more junior, younger partner.”
Putin, 70, is in truth a number of months older than Xi, and has been in energy greater than twice as lengthy.
Leong mentioned Xi had supplied an indication that he too had been feeling some stress, blinking unusually steadily through the sit-down.
Kim Hyung-hee, director of the Korea Body Language Lab, mentioned the tight grip of the handshake and the events the place the lads tried to keep away from eye contact confirmed that there was lots at stake for each.
“They have high expectations about the meeting. You can see tension there—and you know there’s no real friends in politics.” — Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
