Kathrine Frich
Commentator Henry Holloway described Xi as the “Godfather” of a new global mafia.
Commentator Henry Holloway described Xi as the “Godfather” of a new global mafia.
Xi, Putin, and Kim Under the Microscope
Body language experts say the military parade in Beijing was not just about weapons and troops.
It was also a display of subtle gestures that revealed who held the real power among Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un.
Experts Darren Stanton and Judi James offered their analysis.
Xi as the “Daddy” of the Trio
Experts agreed Xi was the dominant figure. As Judi James put it: “As host and on home turf, the ultimate power rituals here are of course all Xi’s.”
Positioned slightly ahead of Putin and Kim, Xi appeared taller and more in control, reinforcing his role as leader of the group.
Powerful Gestures From the Host
Xi used warm handshakes and careful touches to cement authority.
When greeting Kim, he added his left hand on top of the shake in a “lidding gesture” and later patted his bicep.
The controlled intimacy made Xi seem calm yet firmly in charge. Similar gestures were used with Putin.
Putin as the Jovial Guest
Putin surprised analysts by playing the role of a lighthearted companion.
He smiled frequently, with Judi noting his “double cheek rounding effect with two apple-cheek bulges.”
Darren Stanton observed that Putin appeared “placid” and comfortable, showing little need to challenge Xi’s authority.
Kim Responds With Undivided Attention
Kim Jong Un reacted to Xi’s gestures with what Judi called “beaming eye contact registering undivided attention.”
His openness and willingness to embrace Xi’s control suggested he was keen to show respect.
Despite his usual strongman image, Kim seemed content to play a deferential role.
United Front on Display
Both experts agreed that, overall, the three leaders displayed unusual warmth.
Judi said they showed “bonds of warmth and friendship and strength,” a worrying signal for the West.
Darren noted the absence of micro-expressions of contempt that often appear in other high-stakes political meetings.
A Small Rift Over a Car
The only real power struggle came when Putin and Kim reached a limousine after the parade.
Both men gestured for the other to enter first, creating a minor standoff.
“It was almost like daddy’s not here, so we’ll have our little opportunity to show off,” Darren remarked.
Putin Backs Down to Kim
In the end, Putin stepped aside, letting Kim take the lead.
Judi called it “a small moment but one that experts on making deals and debates would pick apart.”
It suggested that when Xi was absent, subtle competition between Putin and Kim could emerge.
Xi as the Godfather Figure
Commentator Henry Holloway described Xi as the “Godfather” of a new global mafia, with Putin and Kim acting as capos.
He wrote: “Smiling as both tubby tyrant Kim and diminutive despot Vlad fawned over him, Xi sits firmly on top as the Godfather of this new global mafia.”
