During Moscow’s Victory Parade, body language experts suggest Putin displayed suppressed tension during his meeting with President Xi in Moscow.
Analyzing Putin’s body language with Xi at the Victory Parade
During Russia’s Victory Day parade, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat, Vladimir Putin met with China’s President Xi Jinping.
The parade, held in Moscow’s Red Square.
It showcased tanks, missiles, and troops, with over two dozen world leaders in attendance.
According to expert Judi James, Putin showed non-verbal signs of stress as he walked alongside President Xi Jinping in Moscow.
Judi also reve led that Vladimir Putin seemed to “boast” about his ties with China’s President Xi Jinping.
Putin’s furrowed brow, clenched fist, and subtle lip-biting suggested suppressed anxiety behind his otherwise calm public demeanor.
These micro-expressions reveal Putin’s attempt to control internal tension.
‘There are some non-verbal signs of suppressed tension from Putin at some very telling ‘leakage’ moments as he walks with Xi, like the furrowing of the brow, an apparent biting of his lower lip and the way his hand is balled into a fist’, James says.
This is likely due to global scrutiny and Russia’s increasing reliance on China.
Additionally, James observed that Putin’s physical behavior showed signs of effort.
His gestures appeared to be aimed at managing the optics of this high-stakes diplomatic encounter.
Putin’s relaxed, friendly relationship with China’s leader
Despite internal tension, Putin’s body language projected calculated displays of camaraderie, emphasizing a friendly, even playful, dynamic with Xi.
He nudged Xi with the back of his hand—a gesture typically used among close friends to share an inside joke.
‘We can see him nudging Xi at one point with the back of his hand which is a signal usually used between friends to prompt someone to join in a joke.
‘He also leans across with an expression of amusement as Xi speaks, rubbing his collar with a finger to suggest a light and humorous exchange”. James adde.
Putin used animated gestures to appear fully engaged in conversation
When walking and talking with Xi, Putin used hand movements like a precise “pinch” to appear expressive and involved.
‘When the two men speak as they walk, Putin resorts to illustrative gesticulation to keep the narrative flowing of a chatty, animated relationship, bringing his fingers up in a measuring ‘pinch’ gesture, presumably to appear fully engaged despite the fact that they speak two different languages.‘
Such gesticulation implied a lively and animated discussion, though the leaders do not share a common language directly.
This performative engagement emphasized an image of collaboration and understanding, even where actual communication may rely on interpreters.
Xi’s visit shows China backing Russia amid Ukraine war isolation
Xi’s visit to Moscow came as Russia faces increased pressure from the United States over its war in Ukraine.
Experts say the meeting gave Putin a political boost. It helped him reinforce ties with China amid international isolation.
On arrival, Xi described Russia and China as “friends of steel,” pledging to deepen strategic cooperation against Western influence.
The two leaders agreed to sign bilateral documents. This advanced military and economic partnerships in defiance of U.S. sanctions.
Victory Day on May 9 is Russia’s most important secular holiday, honoring the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Putin used the Victory Parade to strengthen national pride and justify Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The event included tanks, missiles, troops, and over two dozen international leaders gathered at Moscow’s Red Square.