Body language expert breaks down meaning behind Vladimir Putin’s handshake with China's Xi Jinping

A body language expert has analyzed the interactions between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at a recent summit in Beijing.

The meeting between the Russian and Chinese presidents, along with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, came at an event marking 80 years since the end of World War Two.

A military parade marched through the Chinese capital in honor of the anniversary on Wednesday (September 3), with leaders from some 26 countries friendly to Beijing in attendance.

A crucial moment ahead of the proceedings came as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping shook hands in front of the cameras before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

As Beijing is steeped in geopolitical intrigue during the proceedings, body language expert Beth Dawson has provided her assessment of what the leaders' public body language might reveal about their feelings towards one another.

In an interview with the New York Post, Dawson described the main meaning behind the leaders' body language as 'unity', but noted a shift in Putin's tone later on.

"We're seeing some genuine gestures of warmth," she said.

Nonetheless, the expert called the occasion a 'political performance', saying: "They want to convey a message that signals unity."

Dawson began by comparing the walks of the Russian and Chinese presidents, highlighting that Putin appeared 'in control' and was walking much quicker than Jinping, who she described as having a much more 'measured and deliberate gait'.

She added: "When he meets Putin what we do see though is a very interesting handshake.

"First of all both men look directly at each other, both men smile at each other, with Putin we can actually see the smile reaching the eyes, that's how we know whether a smile is genuine or not because we see the crinkles in the eyes."

A big moment then comes as Jinping can be seen 'placing his hand on top of Putin's', which Dawson called the 'hand sandwich' and explained: "This move can actually signal dominance, but here because of the smiles, because of the prolonged eye contact and also because of the proximity both men step towards each other."

She claimed that means that the two leaders are 'feeling comfortable with each other' or 'they are at least trying to'.

After greeting Xi Jinping's wife, Peng Liyuan, and stepping back to face the press, Dawson noted that Putin's expression 'shifts slightly'.

"His mouth closes, his face looks more serious," she said, but added that there was still a hint of an eye crinkle.

Dawson noted: "Putin is very pleased to be there."

The proceedings were also clocked by US President Donald Trump, who wrote on Truth Social: "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America."