Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Beijing less than a week after US President Donald Trump’s closely watched visit to China, placing Beijing’s balancing act on full display. As trade tensions, wars and global energy disruptions reshape international politics, China is seeking to project itself as a stable and predictable power. Yet welcoming Putin, while Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, also risks renewed scrutiny of Beijing’s increasingly close partnership with Moscow. By rolling out the red carpet for two heavily conflicted global figures within days, Xi seeks to project China as an indispensable, stabilizing superpower capable of managing relations with both Washington and Moscow.&nbsp;Putin arrives on Tuesday for what Chinese officials describe as his 25th visit to China, underlining the depth of ties between the two countries. China and Russia have repeatedly characterised their relationship as an ‘all-weather’ and ‘ironclad’ partnership, with Xi and Putin maintaining regular contact through meetings, calls and personal exchanges.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-russia-s-massive-power-of-siberia-2-gas-pipeline-dominate-xi-putin-talks-in-beijing-what-is-it-wion-decodes-1779175340632">Will Russia’s massive ‘Power of Siberia 2’ gas pipeline dominate Xi-Putin talks in Beijing? What is it? | WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;<h3>A partnership built on strategy and energy</h3>&nbsp;The relationship is underpinned by complementary interests: China’s economic strength and Russia’s vast energy reserves. Moscow has become increasingly reliant on Beijing since Western sanctions cut Russia off from many European markets following the Ukraine conflict. “The Xi-Putin summit will telegraph to the world that the China-Russia strategic partnership remains the cornerstone of both countries’ foreign policies,” Ian Storey of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, told Reuters, adding that any US attempt to divide the two powers was ‘destined to fail’.&nbsp;Trade between the two countries has more than doubled since 2020, according to the Mercator Institute for China Studies. More than 70 per cent of China’s imports from Russia are mineral fuels, while Russian oil exports to China have risen sharply since 2022. Energy cooperation is expected to dominate this week’s discussions, particularly the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. During Putin’s last visit in September 2025, both sides agreed to advance the project, although pricing disputes remain unresolved.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-oil-exports-through-strait-of-hormuz-plunge-from-93-million-to-10-million-barrels-amid-iran-war-1778925779784">Iraq oil exports through Strait of Hormuz plunge from 93 million to 10 million barrels in April</a>&nbsp;<h3>Beijing’s global messaging challenge</h3>&nbsp;While Beijing has regularly called for talks to end the war in Ukraine, now over four years long, it has never condemned Russia for sending in troops. Thus, it continues to present itself as neutral on Ukraine and insists it has not supplied lethal weapons to either side. “China says it strictly controls exports of dual-use items,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday. At the same time, Beijing appears determined to show that its diplomacy will not be shaped by Western pressure. According to AFP, &nbsp;Natasha Kuhrt of King’s College London described the summit as “a reminder to Washington that this is a solid relationship of 30 years-plus standing”.&nbsp;For Xi, the optics are carefully calibrated: projecting China as a force for global stability while preserving one of its most strategically important partnerships.

China and Russia have repeatedly characterised their relationship as an ‘all-weather’ and ‘ironclad’ partnership, with Xi and Putin maintaining regular contact through meetings, calls and personal exchanges.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Beijing less than a week after US President Donald Trump’s closely watched visit to China, placing Beijing’s balancing act on full display. As trade tensions, wars and global energy disruptions reshape international politics, China is seeking to project itself as a stable and predictable power. Yet welcoming Putin, while Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, also risks renewed scrutiny of Beijing’s increasingly close partnership with Moscow. By rolling out the red carpet for two heavily conflicted global figures within days, Xi seeks to project China as an indispensable, stabilizing superpower capable of managing relations with both Washington and Moscow. Putin arrives on Tuesday for what Chinese officials describe as his 25th visit to China, underlining the depth of ties between the two countries. China and Russia have repeatedly characterised their relationship as an ‘all-weather’ and ‘ironclad’ partnership, with Xi and Putin maintaining regular contact through meetings, calls and personal exchanges. ALSO READ: Will Russia’s massive ‘Power of Siberia 2’ gas pipeline dominate Xi-Putin talks in Beijing? What is it? | WION Decodes A partnership built on strategy and energy The relationship is underpinned by complementary interests: China’s economic strength and Russia’s vast energy reserves. Moscow has become increasingly reliant on Beijing since Western sanctions cut Russia off from many European markets following the Ukraine conflict. “The Xi-Putin summit will telegraph to the world that the China-Russia strategic partnership remains the cornerstone of both countries’ foreign policies,” Ian Storey of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, told Reuters, adding that any US attempt to divide the two powers was ‘destined to fail’. Trade between the two countries has more than doubled since 2020, according to the Mercator Institute for China Studies. More than 70 per cent of China’s imports from Russia are mineral fuels, while Russian oil exports to China have risen sharply since 2022. Energy cooperation is expected to dominate this week’s discussions, particularly the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. During Putin’s last visit in September 2025, both sides agreed to advance the project, although pricing disputes remain unresolved. ALSO READ: Iraq oil exports through Strait of Hormuz plunge from 93 million to 10 million barrels in April Beijing’s global messaging challenge While Beijing has regularly called for talks to end the war in Ukraine, now over four years long, it has never condemned Russia for sending in troops. Thus, it continues to present itself as neutral on Ukraine and insists it has not supplied lethal weapons to either side. “China says it strictly controls exports of dual-use items,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday. At the same time, Beijing appears determined to show that its diplomacy will not be shaped by Western pressure. According to AFP, Natasha Kuhrt of King’s College London described the summit as “a reminder to Washington that this is a solid relationship of 30 years-plus standing”. For Xi, the optics are carefully calibrated: projecting China as a force for global stability while preserving one of its most strategically important partnerships.

China and Russia have repeatedly characterised their relationship as an ‘all-weather’ and ‘ironclad’ partnership, with Xi and Putin maintaining regular contact through meetings, calls and personal exchanges.

Does hosting Putin help or hurt Xi’s bid to project China as a responsible global power?

China’s manufacturing sector has contracted for the seventh consecutive month, the longest downturn in nearly a decade.
Despite a recent Trump–Xi trade truce, weak global demand and mounting tariffs have dragged factory activity below expectations.
Analysts warn of the slowest quarter since the pandemic as Beijing races to inject fresh stimulus and defend its growth target.

China Economic Data Signals A Sharp Slowdown

US President Donald Trump has made a major statement on Taiwan following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that China firmly rejects Taiwan’s independence. The remarks have renewed global attention on one of the most sensitive flashpoints in US-China relations amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Watch this WION Originals report for a detailed breakdown of Trump’s comments, Beijing’s position, and the wider geopolitical implications.


Trump-Xi Summit: Trump's Cautious Approach on Taiwan a Sign of Things to Come?

U.S. President Donald Trump has kept up an uneasy silence about Taiwan following his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week, despite the U.S.′ announcement in December of a record $11 billion in arms sales to the island against Beijing’s wishes.

Trump had said the Taiwan arms sales would be on the agenda for his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping which ended on Friday.

Trump-Xi Summit: Has Meeting With Xi Jinping Changed Trump's Stance on China

US President Donald Trump has made a major statement on Taiwan following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that China firmly rejects Taiwan’s independence. The remarks have renewed global attention on one of the most sensitive flashpoints in US-China relations amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Trump-Xi Summit: Questioned on Taiwan, Donald Trump Says China is Beautiful

Fresh off Beijing, US President Donald Trump is claiming he told Xi Jinping something unusually blunt: America spies on China “like hell,” too. All you need to know.


China & US In Satellite Surveillance Race

A viral clip from Donald Trump’s China visit set social media ablaze this week after users claimed the US president had been "caught" snooping through Chinese President Xi Jinping's personal notebook during a formal diplomatic dinner. The internet, predictably, ran wild. “Trump was caught on camera sneaking a peek at Xi Jinping’s private notebook,” one viral post claimed, while others joked that Trump had suddenly learned Mandarin or was trying to decode Chinese state secrets in real time. Some critics went even further, branding the moment embarrassing, invasive or outright bizarre.But as often happens with viral footage, the fuller context appears to tell a far less scandalous story. Here's what actually happened.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-thousands-of-bees-invade-trump-s-white-house-spark-biblical-plague-buzz-online-blasphemers-will-be-dealt-with-most-definitely-1778911087678">Watch | Thousands of bees ‘invade’ Trump's White House; spark ‘biblical plague’ buzz online: 'BLASPHEMERS will be dealt with - most definitely!'</a><h2>Trump caught spying on Xi?</h2>In the widely shared video, Trump is seen leaning over and opening a black leather folder near Xi’s seat after the Chinese leader stands up during a state banquet at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Watch the video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨⚡️ SPOTTED: Trump caught sneaking a peek at Xi Jinping&#39;s private notebook during a Beijing banquet while Xi stepped away! 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/MLms4D27SC">pic.twitter.com/MLms4D27SC</a>&mdash; RussiaNews 🇷🇺 (@mog_russEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/mog_russEN/status/2055153953961394399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Without a wider context, many online interpreted the move as Trump inspecting Xi’s private materials. That interpretation quickly exploded across X, with sarcastic commentary, edited captions and accusations ranging from nosiness to “kleptomania.”“I had no idea that Trump reads Chinese,” said one user, "And it read in English ‘don’t peep while I’m not there’ joked another.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-in-bonkers-boast-reveals-he-told-xi-we-spy-like-hell-on-china-us-china-trump-xi-summit-beijing-1778921135477">Trump in bonkers boast reveals he told Xi 'we spy like hell on China'</a><h2>What's the truth?</h2>According to OK Magazine, observers noted that the folder actually had the US presidential seal. X community notes also note: "This is Trump's folder (US seal visible), not Xi's. Selectively clipped banquet footage misleads about the entire scene."Additional footage reportedly shows Trump picking the same folder when rising to speak.

A viral clip from Trump’s Beijing visit sparked claims that he was snooping through Xi Jinping’s private notebook at a state dinner. Is. Scroll down.

A viral clip from Donald Trump’s China visit set social media ablaze this week after users claimed the US president had been "caught" snooping through Chinese President Xi Jinping's personal notebook during a formal diplomatic dinner. The internet, predictably, ran wild. “Trump was caught on camera sneaking a peek at Xi Jinping’s private notebook,” one viral post claimed, while others joked that Trump had suddenly learned Mandarin or was trying to decode Chinese state secrets in real time. Some critics went even further, branding the moment embarrassing, invasive or outright bizarre. But as often happens with viral footage, the fuller context appears to tell a far less scandalous story. Here's what actually happened. Also read | Watch | Thousands of bees ‘invade’ Trump's White House; spark ‘biblical plague’ buzz online: 'BLASPHEMERS will be dealt with - most definitely!' Trump caught spying on Xi? In the widely shared video, Trump is seen leaning over and opening a black leather folder near Xi’s seat after the Chinese leader stands up during a state banquet at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Watch the video here:

A viral clip from Trump’s Beijing visit sparked claims that he was snooping through Xi Jinping’s private notebook at a state dinner. Is. Scroll down.

Fact check: Trump caught on video taking a sneak peek at Xi Jinping’s private notebook? Clip goes viral | WATCH

US President Donald Trump, during his recent trip to Beijing, apparently boasted to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the US is better at spying than China. The POTUS, as per reports, even confessed that American spooks have targeted China in ways which they cannot even fathom. Trump made the revelation while speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One en route to Washington.<h2>'We spy like hell on them, too'</h2>Aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked if he had questioned Xi about China's alleged cyberattacks on the US. "I did. And he talked about attacks we did in China. You know, what they do, we do too. We spy like hell on them, too," said the US president."I told him, 'We do a lot of stuff to you that you don't know about," he added. When pressed further, Trump said, "I'm talking about spying. The question was asked of me yesterday, I guess, 'What about the fact that China is spying?' I said, ‘Well, it's one of those things because we spy like hell on them, too'."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-thousands-of-bees-invade-trump-s-white-house-spark-biblical-plague-buzz-online-blasphemers-will-be-dealt-with-most-definitely-1778911087678">Watch | Thousands of bees ‘invade’ Trump's White House; spark ‘biblical plague’ buzz online: 'BLASPHEMERS will be dealt with - most definitely!'</a><h2>A 'double-edged sword'</h2>Trump was also asked whether he was worried about China secretly inserting malicious code into critical American infrastructure, a concern US intelligence agencies have repeatedly flagged as a major national security threat. “You don’t know that,” Trump said. “I’d like to see it, but it’s very possible that they do.”“I told them, ‘We do a lot of stuff to you that you don’t know about, and you are doing stuff to us that we probably do know about'," he said, adding, "But we do plenty. It’s a double-edged sword."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-there-are-youngsters-like-cockroaches-what-made-cji-surya-kant-compare-youngsters-to-pests-supreme-court-hearing-turns-explosive-1778909973915">'There are youngsters like cockroaches': What made CJI Surya Kant compare youngsters to pests? Supreme Court hearing turns explosive</a><h2>Public bravado, private caution</h2>While Trump projected relative calm publicly, reports from journalists travelling with him suggested his staff operated under an entirely different level of concern. According to accounts from reporters aboard Air Force One, US officials confiscated all Chinese-issued badges, pins and devices before passengers re-boarded. At the same time, staff reportedly relied on burner phones during the China trip.Some were allegedly instructed to leave devices behind or destroy temporary phones rather than risk surveillance vulnerabilities."Nothing from China allowed on the plane," one White House correspondent reported.

Fresh off Beijing, US President Donald Trump is claiming he told Xi Jinping something unusually blunt: America spies on China “like hell,” too. All you need to know.

US President Donald Trump, during his recent trip to Beijing, apparently boasted to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the US is better at spying than China. The POTUS, as per reports, even confessed that American spooks have targeted China in ways which they cannot even fathom. Trump made the revelation while speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One en route to Washington. 'We spy like hell on them, too' Aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked if he had questioned Xi about China's alleged cyberattacks on the US. "I did. And he talked about attacks we did in China. You know, what they do, we do too. We spy like hell on them, too," said the US president. "I told him, 'We do a lot of stuff to you that you don't know about," he added. When pressed further, Trump said, "I'm talking about spying. The question was asked of me yesterday, I guess, 'What about the fact that China is spying?' I said, ‘Well, it's one of those things because we spy like hell on them, too'." Also read | Watch | Thousands of bees ‘invade’ Trump's White House; spark ‘biblical plague’ buzz online: 'BLASPHEMERS will be dealt with - most definitely!' A 'double-edged sword' Trump was also asked whether he was worried about China secretly inserting malicious code into critical American infrastructure, a concern US intelligence agencies have repeatedly flagged as a major national security threat. “You don’t know that,” Trump said. “I’d like to see it, but it’s very possible that they do.” “I told them, ‘We do a lot of stuff to you that you don’t know about, and you are doing stuff to us that we probably do know about'," he said, adding, "But we do plenty. It’s a double-edged sword." Also read | 'There are youngsters like cockroaches': What made CJI Surya Kant compare youngsters to pests? Supreme Court hearing turns explosive Public bravado, private caution While Trump projected relative calm publicly, reports from journalists travelling with him suggested his staff operated under an entirely different level of concern. According to accounts from reporters aboard Air Force One, US officials confiscated all Chinese-issued badges, pins and devices before passengers re-boarded. At the same time, staff reportedly relied on burner phones during the China trip. Some were allegedly instructed to leave devices behind or destroy temporary phones rather than risk surveillance vulnerabilities. "Nothing from China allowed on the plane," one White House correspondent reported.

Fresh off Beijing, US President Donald Trump is claiming he told Xi Jinping something unusually blunt: America spies on China “like hell,” too. All you need to know.

Trump in bonkers boast reveals he told Xi 'we spy like hell on China'

Donald Trump has sharply criticized several media outlets over their reporting on the Iran conflict, calling parts of it “fake news” and even “treasonous.” He rejected claims that contradicted his statements on U.S. involvement and diplomatic positions regarding Iran. The remarks add to ongoing tensions between Trump and major news organizations, highlighting the deep divide over how the war and U.S. policy are being portrayed in the media.


Trump-Xi Summit: Trump Slams Media Over Iran War Coverage, Calls Reports “Fake News”

A TikTok video reportedly shared by Donald Trump’s campaign was deleted after social media users noticed a spelling mistake involving Chinese President Xi Jinping’s name. According to The Mirror US, the clip showed Trump and Xi walking together on a red carpet during Trump’s recent state visit to China, which concluded on Friday (May 15) after meetings between the two leaders. The controversy centered on text added to the TikTok video. While Trump was identified as ‘President Trump’, Xi’s name reportedly appeared as ‘President Zi’, along with a handshake emoji between the two leaders. The video was later removed from TikTok, while screenshots continued circulating online after the X account Headquarters highlighted the typo.<h2>Social media reacts to ‘President Zi’ typo</h2>The mistake quickly sparked reactions across social media, with critics mocking the campaign over the apparent error. “It’s literally two letters. You had a 50/50 chance,” one user wrote on X after screenshots of the post spread online. Another commenter criticised what they described as repeated diplomatic mistakes, writing: “The incompetence of the ENTIRE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is staggering.” Neither the Trump campaign nor TikTok publicly commented on the reported deletion or the typo.TikTok continues to face scrutiny in the United States over national security and data privacy concerns related to its Chinese ownership. Although Trump’s Republican administration has reportedly approved a potential sale arrangement involving TikTok, the process has not yet been finalised.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-tremendous-success-trump-after-returning-from-china-says-it-was-a-historic-moment-1778891146135">'Tremendous success': Trump after returning from China; says, 'It was a historic moment'</a><h2>Watch the post by White House here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The White House has deleted a TikTok after misspelling Xi Jinping’s name at a high-stakes China visit. <a href="https://t.co/xsSAljR3aM">pic.twitter.com/xsSAljR3aM</a>&mdash; Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) <a href="https://twitter.com/HQNewsNow/status/2054940340465852857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump’s China visit focused on key global issues</h2>The deleted TikTok video surfaced during Trump’s multi-day visit to China, where he met Xi for talks on Taiwan, Iran, and broader US-China relations. The two leaders held discussions at Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leadership compound in Beijing, before Trump departed aboard Air Force One. Despite the public display of diplomacy during the visit, tensions between Washington and Beijing remain over trade, regional security, and Taiwan. During remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump also addressed ongoing discussions about TikTok’s future ownership structure in the United States. “I will decide,” Trump said when asked about the issue.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-reveals-scale-of-houthi-missile-network-iranian-weapon-parts-found-in-major-houthi-seizure-1778861783934/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-reveals-scale-of-houthi-missile-network-iranian-weapon-parts-found-in-major-houthi-seizure-1778861783934/embed</a>

A Trump campaign TikTok video was reportedly deleted after a typo labeled Chinese President Xi Jinping as 'President Zi', sparking online reactions

A TikTok video reportedly shared by Donald Trump’s campaign was deleted after social media users noticed a spelling mistake involving Chinese President Xi Jinping’s name. According to The Mirror US, the clip showed Trump and Xi walking together on a red carpet during Trump’s recent state visit to China, which concluded on Friday (May 15) after meetings between the two leaders. The controversy centered on text added to the TikTok video. While Trump was identified as ‘President Trump’, Xi’s name reportedly appeared as ‘President Zi’, along with a handshake emoji between the two leaders. The video was later removed from TikTok, while screenshots continued circulating online after the X account Headquarters highlighted the typo. Social media reacts to ‘President Zi’ typo The mistake quickly sparked reactions across social media, with critics mocking the campaign over the apparent error. “It’s literally two letters. You had a 50/50 chance,” one user wrote on X after screenshots of the post spread online. Another commenter criticised what they described as repeated diplomatic mistakes, writing: “The incompetence of the ENTIRE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is staggering.” Neither the Trump campaign nor TikTok publicly commented on the reported deletion or the typo. TikTok continues to face scrutiny in the United States over national security and data privacy concerns related to its Chinese ownership. Although Trump’s Republican administration has reportedly approved a potential sale arrangement involving TikTok, the process has not yet been finalised. Also Read: 'Tremendous success': Trump after returning from China; says, 'It was a historic moment' Watch the post by White House here

The Trump campaign reportedly deleted a TikTok video after mistakenly misspelling Chinese President Xi Jinping as ‘President Zi’

'President Zi' blunder goes viral as Trump campaign mocked over TikTok typo during China visit

A video from a meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing has gone viral on social media, sparking debate over whether Trump was intentionally made to appear shorter during the talks. The clip, widely circulated on X and other platforms, shows Xi seated on what users claim appears to be a slightly taller sofa than Trump’s during the bilateral meeting. “The sofa must be custom-made. The sofa Xi Jinping sat on was clearly higher than Trump’s sofa, while Trump is 10 cm taller than Xi Jinping. The CCP spares no effort in scheming over these details,” one X user claimed while sharing the video.&nbsp;Another viral post suggested a different version of events, claiming Trump removed a cushion from his own seat. “The Chinese president measured it out to the centimeter by placing a small cushion on Trump’s chair so that they would appear to be the same height. Trump ordered the cushion to be removed... which made him look shorter than the Chinese president while sitting,” the post said. Trump was visiting China on a three-day official trip at Xi’s invitation, marking the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nine years. The US president departed China on Friday after highlighting several business agreements reached during the visit, even as Beijing cautioned Washington against mishandling the Taiwan issue and criticised the Iran war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-on-almost-all-matters-we-found-common-ground-despite-differences-mea-on-brics-1778873840071">'On almost all matters, we found common ground despite differences': MEA on BRICS</a><h2>‘You wouldn’t find a guy like him in Hollywood’: Trump praises Xi</h2>“We’ve settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to solve,” Trump said after meeting Xi in Beijing during the second day of talks.Social media platforms have since been flooded with memes, clips, and commentary from Trump’s visit to China. In another widely shared video, Xi pauses briefly while walking beside Trump up the stairs at the Great Hall of the People. “During the walk up to the Great Hall of the People, Xi Jinping noticed Trump appeared tired on the stairs, so he paused and gave a brief explanation of the square, allowing him a moment to catch his breath,” a post accompanying the video claimed.&nbsp;Earlier reports also alleged that Trump, who has repeatedly said he does not consume alcohol, was served wine during a ceremonial toast in China. On Friday, Trump praised Xi’s leadership and stature while speaking about the Chinese president. “You wouldn’t find a guy like him in Hollywood,” Trump said while lauding Xi. “They always criticize me when I say good things about certain leaders, and this one, but... he's led almost 1.5 billion people for a long time, and he's respected,” Trump added. Trump also commented on Xi’s physical appearance, describing him as “very tall” and suggesting Hollywood would struggle to find an actor capable of portraying him convincingly on screen.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explosions-in-bolivian-capital-as-protesters-and-police-engage-in-clashes-1778865385016/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/explosions-in-bolivian-capital-as-protesters-and-police-engage-in-clashes-1778865385016/embed</a>

Viral videos from Donald Trump and Xi Jinping’s Beijing meeting spark online debate over sofa height, body language, diplomacy, and Trump’s praise for Xi

A video from a meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing has gone viral on social media, sparking debate over whether Trump was intentionally made to appear shorter during the talks. The clip, widely circulated on X and other platforms, shows Xi seated on what users claim appears to be a slightly taller sofa than Trump’s during the bilateral meeting. “The sofa must be custom-made. The sofa Xi Jinping sat on was clearly higher than Trump’s sofa, while Trump is 10 cm taller than Xi Jinping. The CCP spares no effort in scheming over these details,” one X user claimed while sharing the video. Another viral post suggested a different version of events, claiming Trump removed a cushion from his own seat. “The Chinese president measured it out to the centimeter by placing a small cushion on Trump’s chair so that they would appear to be the same height. Trump ordered the cushion to be removed... which made him look shorter than the Chinese president while sitting,” the post said. Trump was visiting China on a three-day official trip at Xi’s invitation, marking the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nine years. The US president departed China on Friday after highlighting several business agreements reached during the visit, even as Beijing cautioned Washington against mishandling the Taiwan issue and criticised the Iran war. Also Read: 'On almost all matters, we found common ground despite differences': MEA on BRICS ‘You wouldn’t find a guy like him in Hollywood’: Trump praises Xi “We’ve settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to solve,” Trump said after meeting Xi in Beijing during the second day of talks. Social media platforms have since been flooded with memes, clips, and commentary from Trump’s visit to China. In another widely shared video, Xi pauses briefly while walking beside Trump up the stairs at the Great Hall of the People. “During the walk up to the Great Hall of the People, Xi Jinping noticed Trump appeared tired on the stairs, so he paused and gave a brief explanation of the square, allowing him a moment to catch his breath,” a post accompanying the video claimed. Earlier reports also alleged that Trump, who has repeatedly said he does not consume alcohol, was served wine during a ceremonial toast in China. On Friday, Trump praised Xi’s leadership and stature while speaking about the Chinese president. “You wouldn’t find a guy like him in Hollywood,” Trump said while lauding Xi. “They always criticize me when I say good things about certain leaders, and this one, but... he's led almost 1.5 billion people for a long time, and he's respected,” Trump added. Trump also commented on Xi’s physical appearance, describing him as “very tall” and suggesting Hollywood would struggle to find an actor capable of portraying him convincingly on screen. https://www.wionews.com/videos/explosions-in-bolivian-capital-as-protesters-and-police-engage-in-clashes-1778865385016/embed

Viral videos from Donald Trump’s China visit sparked online debate over Xi Jinping’s sofa height, stairway moments, and diplomatic optics

'The sofa was clearly higher': Here's how social media reacted to Trump-Xi viral video

As U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his visit to China, he claimed a breakthrough on issues like Strait of Hormuz and nuclear weapons. However, China refused to acknowledge any of Trump's specific claims. As compared to this, Trump's 2017 visit yielded tangible outcomes like business deals worth $250 billion. Amid this, will hostilities in Iran resume once again? 


Trump-Xi Summit: Trump's Visit To China Ends Without A Major Breakthrough

Donald Trump has sharply criticized several media outlets over their reporting on the Iran conflict, calling parts of it “fake news” and even “treasonous.” He rejected claims that contradicted his statements on U.S. involvement and diplomatic positions regarding Iran. The remarks add to ongoing tensions between Trump and major news organizations, highlighting the deep divide over how the war and U.S. policy are being portrayed in the media.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to undertake a state visit to the United States this autumn at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said after the conclusion of a high-profile summit in Beijing.&nbsp;“Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States in autumn this year at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, the Chinese top diplomat said on Friday,” Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.&nbsp;The announcement came hours after Trump departed China following a two-day visit that saw the two leaders engage in extensive talks on trade, tariffs, agriculture and geopolitical tensions in West Asia.&nbsp;During the summit, Trump was hosted with ceremonial engagements including a visit to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and a traditional tea session with Xi, as both sides attempted to stabilise ties between the world’s two largest economies.&nbsp;China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two countries had agreed to continue implementing previous understandings reached during earlier negotiations.&nbsp;“The delegations of the two countries reached overall positive results, including continuing to implement all consensus reached in previous consultations (and) agreeing to establish a trade council and an investment council,” Wang said, according to a statement issued by the Chinese foreign ministry.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-totally-false-pm-modi-dismisses-media-report-on-proposed-foreign-travel-tax-1778868159313">‘Totally false’: PM Modi dismisses media report on proposed foreign travel tax</a>US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier told CNBC that Washington and Beijing were discussing the formation of a bilateral “board of trade” and “board of investment” to deepen economic coordination.&nbsp;The two sides also agreed to address concerns related to agricultural market access and expand bilateral trade through reciprocal tariff reductions, Wang added.&nbsp;The renewed diplomatic engagement comes amid an ongoing trade truce between China and the United States reached in October last year. Under the arrangement, both countries agreed to sharply reduce tariffs on each other’s goods after duties had crossed the 100 per cent mark during the prolonged trade dispute.

The announcement came after Trump touted “fantastic trade deals” and hinted at Chinese purchases of US soybeans and aircraft, though neither side has released official details.



Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to undertake a state visit to the United States this autumn at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said after the conclusion of a high-profile summit in Beijing. “Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States in autumn this year at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, the Chinese top diplomat said on Friday,” Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. The announcement came hours after Trump departed China following a two-day visit that saw the two leaders engage in extensive talks on trade, tariffs, agriculture and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. During the summit, Trump was hosted with ceremonial engagements including a visit to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and a traditional tea session with Xi, as both sides attempted to stabilise ties between the world’s two largest economies. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two countries had agreed to continue implementing previous understandings reached during earlier negotiations. “The delegations of the two countries reached overall positive results, including continuing to implement all consensus reached in previous consultations (and) agreeing to establish a trade council and an investment council,” Wang said, according to a statement issued by the Chinese foreign ministry. Also Read: ‘Totally false’: PM Modi dismisses media report on proposed foreign travel tax US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier told CNBC that Washington and Beijing were discussing the formation of a bilateral “board of trade” and “board of investment” to deepen economic coordination. The two sides also agreed to address concerns related to agricultural market access and expand bilateral trade through reciprocal tariff reductions, Wang added. The renewed diplomatic engagement comes amid an ongoing trade truce between China and the United States reached in October last year. Under the arrangement, both countries agreed to sharply reduce tariffs on each other’s goods after duties had crossed the 100 per cent mark during the prolonged trade dispute.

The announcement came after Trump touted “fantastic trade deals” and hinted at Chinese purchases of US soybeans and aircraft, though neither side has released official details.

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As U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his visit to China, he claimed a breakthrough on issues like Strait of Hormuz and nuclear weapons. However, China refused to acknowledge any of Trump's specific claims. As compared to this, Trump's 2017 visit yielded tangible outcomes like business deals worth $250 billion. Amid this, will hostilities in Iran resume once again? 

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Jimmy Lai, 78, is the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, once one of Hong Kong’s most influential media outlets. 

Jimmy Lai, 78, is the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, once one of Hong Kong’s most influential media outlets.&nbsp;

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Donald Trump concluded his two-day visit to China with an elaborate farewell ceremony in Beijing. A red carpet, military honor guard, and children waving American and Chinese flags marked the final moments before Trump boarded Air Force One. The children chanted warm farewell messages as Chinese officials and dignitaries gathered to see him off, highlighting the symbolic diplomacy and carefully staged optics surrounding the high-profile U.S.-China visit.


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Iran’s nuclear programme became a central issue during talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, with both sides reportedly agreeing that Iran should not obtain nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the conflict would not truly end until Iran’s uranium issue is resolved, while China called for dialogue and welcomed the U.S.-Iran ceasefire efforts. The discussions highlight growing global concern over regional stability and nuclear tensions.


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At the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping offered to help broker peace with Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The discussions reportedly focused on regional stability, the Strait of Hormuz, and concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.


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Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host the US President at Zhongnanhai during the Trump–Xi summit, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two global powers. The meeting is expected to focus on trade tensions, geopolitical rivalry, and regional security concerns, with both sides seeking limited areas of cooperation amid broader strategic competition.


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At the Trump–Xi summit, the US President stated that China has offered assistance in efforts related to reopening or stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions. The remarks come as global energy security remains under pressure due to volatility in the Middle East. Discussions between Washington and Beijing also touched on broader trade and geopolitical cooperation, though key strategic differences persist.


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Members of the U.S. delegation accompanying President Donald Trump to China reportedly followed strict cybersecurity protocols during the visit. According to reports, officials were advised to leave personal phones and laptops behind, avoid synced apps and cloud access, and use temporary “burner” devices instead. The measures reflect growing concerns over digital surveillance, cyber espionage, and data security during sensitive diplomatic trips between the world’s two biggest powers.


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The White House has described the Trump–Xi meeting as “good,” but notably made no mention of Taiwan in its official readout.

The omission has drawn attention, as Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive and contested issues in US–China relations. While both sides reportedly discussed broader areas of cooperation and competition, the lack of reference to Taiwan stands out in an otherwise tightly managed diplomatic statement.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between Washington and Beijing, even as major strategic disagreements remain unresolved.

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Taiwan remains the most sensitive and dangerous issue in relations between the United States and China. Beijing continues to push for what it calls “reunification” with the island, while many people in Taiwan increasingly identify separately from mainland China. At the same time, Washington officially follows the “One China” policy but maintains close unofficial ties with Taiwan, making the island a major geopolitical flashpoint with global consequences.


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U.S. President Donald Trump has returned to China for the first time in nearly a decade, receiving a grand ceremonial welcome from Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The visit featured a red carpet reception, a 21-gun salute, and warm public moments as children greeted both leaders before they exchanged handshakes. The high-profile summit comes at a crucial time for U.S.-China relations, with global attention focused on diplomacy, trade, and regional security discussions.


Trump-Xi Summit: Mutual Praise, Cooperation, Productive Talks Emerge As Highlights

The latest summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is drawing attention not just for geopolitics, but also for the growing influence of corporate power in global diplomacy. Business leaders and CEOs linked to the talks reportedly control combined wealth and company valuations rivaling major world economies.


Trump-Xi Summit Highlights Rising Corporate Power as CEOs Shape Global US-China Talks

Asian markets traded mixed as investors closely monitored high-stakes talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the summit raised hopes for stability in U.S.-China relations, uncertainty over future trade and economic policies kept markets cautious.

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Five Major Takeaways From The Trump–Xi Meeting Highlight Key Diplomatic Signals, Including A Shared Stance On Keeping The Strait Of Hormuz Open And Xi Jinping’s Remark That The U.S. And China Should Be Partners Rather Than Rivals.


U.S.-China Agree To Keep Strait Of Hormuz Open, Xi Says U.S. & China Should Be Partners Not Rivals 

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