During the recent U.S. presidential visit to China, President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping greeted each other with a handshake that body language experts interpreted as revealing significant diplomatic shifts. Unlike Trump's usual 'yank-and-grab' style, he approached Xi with a longer handshake that lacked his typical dominance. Xi initiated the handshake, which body language expert Denise M. Dudley noted as a strategic move to maintain control. By turning Trump's hand upside down, Xi established a clear dominance in the interaction. The handshake lasted longer than usual, with at least ten shakes, resembling a 'tug of war' in their power dynamics. Trump’s gestures, including patting Xi's hand, were criticized as patronizing and unprofessional, suggesting a diminishment of Xi's authority. Despite Trump's public praise of Xi as his 'friend,' Xi maintained a measured tone, emphasizing partnership over rivalry while cautioning Trump about tensions over Taiwan. This handshake encapsulated the complex relationship between the two leaders, highlighting the nuances of their diplomatic engagement.