Body language expert zeroes in on PM's meeting with Xi Jinping
Anthony Albanese and Xi Jingping have shared in a historic handshake on the sidelines of the G20 summit, bringing an end to a six-year diplomatic freeze.
The PM met with the Chinese President at the event in Bali on Tuesday, as a body language expert has dissected their meeting, pointing out some hard-to-spot details.
Body language expert Katia Loisel has revealed the way the leaders shook hands held secrets about their power dynamic.
“The way you shake hands reveals important information about your personality, levels of confidence and the power dynamic between two people and can dramatically influence how others perceive and interact with you,” Loisel explained to 7News.
“As a leader, Xi uses several tactics to assert his dominance when shaking hands during meet and greets and photo opportunities.”
Loisel said by choosing to stand out on the left with “his hand thrust out first”, Xi is able to “upset the balance of power”.
“By orientating his body to the left away from Anthony Albanese, Xi restricts Albanese’s movement and forces him into a submissive position,” she said.
“In contrast, this position allows Xi to project an air of confidence, standing in an open, unrestricted pose directly facing the camera."
“This handshake is an attempt to assert dominance, get the upper hand and upset the balance of power quite literally forcing the receiver, in this case Albanese, into a submissive position.”
The image of the two leaders sparked further conversation online, with some pointing out where Xi “always” stands for photos with other leaders.
“This is why (check where Xi always stands for pictures),” one Twitter user posted along with a series of images of Xi standing on the left.
At the meeting, China’s $20 billion trade sanctions on Australia, detention of Australian citizens and relationship with Russia were discussed.
The pair also discussed climate change and Albanese urged Xi to maintain the status quo when it comes to the status of Taiwan.
Albanese said both leaders spoke honestly with each other about these issues.
“We have big differences to manage, but we’re always going to be better off when we have dialogue and are able to talk constructively and respectfully, but also honestly, about what those differences are,” he said after the meeting.
“(Australia) will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must and act in the national interest.”
Image credits: Getty Images