China’s President Xi Jinping appeared to recognise Donald Trump was struggling to climb the stairs as the pair suddenly paused, with numerous watchers suggesting it was to give Trump a moment to recover.
The two world leaders are participating in crucial talks in Beijing, where matters including Taiwan, trade and the Middle East are under discussion. However, as they made their way inside for the summit, the US leader seemed incapable of tackling the steps in one go.
President Trump appeared exhausted while ascending the staircase, and they immediately halted so he could gather himself. The moment was filmed, with the Chinese leader putting his hand on his visitor’s back as they climbed the stairs outside the location.
Last weekend, 79 year old Trump was branded “unfit to serve” as President amid fresh allegations that he was “falling asleep” during an Oval Office gathering. Video footage appears to capture him with his eyes shut and practically motionless for an extended period during an official health briefing.
Nevertheless, the pair made their entrance at the state banquet, the crowning moment following a lengthy day of discussions and sightseeing in the capital. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chinese Defence Minister Dong and US officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller were also in attendance.
China’s President began his speech by declaring: “The people of China and the United States are both great peoples. Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” drawing on both a long-standing Communist Party slogan and one of Trump’s signature catchphrases, and adding that we can help each other succeed and advance the wellbeing of the whole world.
During opening remarks at the three-day summit, Xi delivered pointed warnings about avoiding potential confrontations between China and the US, and cautioned Trump that Washington’s stance on Taiwan could trigger “conflicts.”
This restrained tone was in sharp contrast to Trump’s, who kicked off the eagerly awaited meeting by showering his Chinese counterpart with praise, declaring that “it’s an honour to be your friend.”
The two leaders met for roughly two hours behind closed doors at the Great Hall of the People, addressing trade and a range of other urgent issues. A statement shared on X by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning disclosed that Xi stressed to Trump that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations.”
That pointed remark came after a brief public exchange before the private meeting, during which Trump heaped praise on Xi, telling him: “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.
“It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend,” Trump declared, before vowing that “the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”