On Thursday in Seoul, Donald Trump received a notably cold reception from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two met ahead of trade talks, but Xi’s distant demeanor made it clear he was not impressed.
Despite the chilly greeting, the United States and China announced steps to strengthen trade ties. Trump agreed to lower tariffs, and China promised easier access to rare earths. Trump said a full trade deal would be signed “pretty soon.”
Still, the personal chemistry between the leaders seemed lacking. Trump repeatedly claimed they “have a great relationship,” but Xi stood silently, refusing to respond or engage. The contrast was striking.
Video clips of the meeting quickly went viral, and people could not stop talking about it.
One tweet read, “President Xi of China HUMILIATES Donald Trump with a very obvious cold reception. Trump awkwardly tries to force ‘we have a great relationship’ several times – but an icy Xi refuses to play along. This is a complete embarrassment on the world stage.”
🚨MAJOR BREAKING: President Xi of China HUMILIATES Donald Trump with a very obvious cold reception. Trump awkwardly tries to force “we have a great relationship” several times – but an icy Xi refuses to play along.
This is a complete embarrassment on the world stage. pic.twitter.com/m9pfdmttzh
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) October 30, 2025
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Other posts were equally scathing.
LOOK! President Xi of China just HUMILIATES Donald Trump with a very obvious cold reception.
Donald Trump awkwardly tries to force “we have a great relationship” several times – but got an icy Xi refuses to play along.
This was embarrassing for Trump!
pic.twitter.com/Y5E7gboPFD— Lucas Sanders 💙🗳️🌊💪🌈🚺🟧 (@LucasSa56947288) October 30, 2025
This is beyond embarrassing pic.twitter.com/EZrYwJZ7PQ
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) October 30, 2025
Trump tries hard to be friendly, talking shit about “we know each other very well, we’re gonna have a great meeting, blah blah” while Xi remains icy and silent. I know the Chinese well, when they act like that it means they really can’t stand you. pic.twitter.com/nazZHr7PU1
— PaulC (@PaulConRO) October 30, 2025
Trump: “Xi loves me.”
Xi: pic.twitter.com/uyal3QZIiN
— Live On The Chat (@LiveOnTheChat) October 30, 2025
Dementia DonOLD won’t let go of his hand.
— 🌺 Chereese 🏝🧑🏼🦼 (@ChereeseFerrei1) October 30, 2025
Trump: we have a great relationship
Xi: we have no relationship— Alice Morgan ♓️ 🦥 🇺🇦🕷✊🏻🇪🇺 (@jacksonlambNo1) October 30, 2025
He’s even leaning away from him with the handshake….usually they are a lot more friendlier
— MelZ (@cheekygoyl) October 30, 2025
He is embarrassing every day about everything. He does it all by himself.
— Charlotte (@LilyBennett29) October 30, 2025
The expression on Xi’s face tells the story. pic.twitter.com/0wYo4SZW9F
— HIGH PLAINS RESISTER (@I_Wait_I_Watch) October 30, 2025
Even the brief handshakes drew attention. Trump extended his hand enthusiastically, and Xi returned it with a minimal nod. Every gesture, or lack of one, fueled the perception that the meeting was awkward at best.
Featured image via X screengrab
