In their first moments of meeting each other, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un both sought to project a sense of command but displayed some anxiety at the start of their high-stakes summit in Singapore.
In their first moments of meeting each other, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un both sought to project a sense of command but displayed some anxiety at the start of their high-stakes summit in Singapore.
Body language experts said that in the 13 seconds or so the U.S. president held on to the hand of Kim for the first time, he projected his usual dominance by reaching out first, and patting the North Korean leader's shoulder.
Not to be outdone, Kim firmly pumped Trump's hand, looking him straight in the eye for the duration, before breaking off to face the media.
Trump and Kim are meeting in Singapore for historic talks aimed at finding a way to end a nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula. Should they succeed, it could bring lasting change to the security landscape of Northeast Asia, like the visit of former U.S. President Richard Nixon to China in 1972 led to the transformation of China.
1. To new beginnings
Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un walk away after their meeting - Reuters
2. Handshake for the ages
Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un approach for a handshake - Reuters
3. Wave to all
Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un wave to the crowd after their meeting - Reuters
4. Close-up handshake
A close-up picture of the two leaders shaking hands - Reuters
5. Strike a pose
Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un strike a pose - Reuters
6. High-profile meeting
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un during their high-profile meeting - Reuters
7. The walk ahead
Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un take a walk - Reuters