No hugs, ancient Greece and KFC: Five highlights from Trump-Xi talks
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump met in Beijing on Thursday for high-stakes talks, discussing the Iran war, Ukraine and economic cooperation. Away from the long list of complex agenda topics, here are five other highlights from day one of the summit: One-sided friendship? China’s President Xi Jinping (R) and US President Donald Trump shake hands as they attend a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. — AFP Trump heaped praise on Xi as talks began at the cavernous Great Hall of the People, saying: “It’s an honour to be your friend.” “You and I have known each other for a long time… We’ve had a fantastic relationship, we’ve gotten along when there were difficulties, we worked it out,” Trump told Xi. “I would call you and you would call me.” Xi has in the past partially reciprocated Trump’s characterisation of their relationship, referring to a “personal friendship”. But on Thursday the Chinese leader stopped short of using that label, saying instead that their two countries “should be partners, not rivals”. Xi’s self-described “best friend” on the international stage is Russia’s Vladimir Putin. And he is liberal with his use of the word, frequently hailing “friendships” with many countries, including North Korea, Pakistan and France. Handshake, not hug Posting on social media in mid-April, Trump predicted Xi would give him a “big, fat hug” upon his arrival in Beijing. China’s President Xi Jinping (R) and US President Donald Trump visit the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on May 14, 2026. — AFP The comment was typical of Trump’s often bombastic, freewheeling comportment on the international stage — a dramatic contrast to Xi’s measured, tight-lipped presence. Come Thursday morning, Trump was offered a firm handshake instead of the warm embrace he had hoped for. The handshake lasted more than 10 seconds, with the American leader patting Xi on his arm a couple of times. Thucydides Trap In his speeches and meet