The high-stakes summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, took place in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday and lasted 100 minutes. It marked their first in-person meeting since Trump returned to the White House for his second presidential term, having last met in 2019.

1. Personal warmth on display

The two exchanged cordial greetings and praised each other.

Trump called Xi his “friend”, describing Xi as a “very distinguished and respected president” and “a great leader of a great country”. Trump said he expected they would “have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time”.

Xi, during his opening remarks, spoke of a “warm” feeling upon seeing Trump again.

After the talks ended, Trump whispered something to Xi before escorting the Chinese leader to his car.

Trump says US has a deal with China

2. Xi downplays bilateral rivalry

In his opening remarks, Xi struck a conciliatory tone as he describedties between China and the US.