Melania Steps Back After Declining Xi Jinping's Handshake... Only a Nod in an 'Awkward Farewell' [Video]

[Financial News] A scene in which Chinese President Xi Jinping was refused a handshake by Melania Trump after offering one during the final event of his state visit to the United States has drawn attention online.
Xi Jinping and his wife made a three-day state visit to the United States from the 23rd to the 25th (local time). The final event was a visit to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C., on the 25th.
Xi Jinping and his wife viewed the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the United States Bill of Rights, which were displayed in the building's central hall. After about 10 minutes of viewing the exhibits, the two leaders and their wives exchanged farewells on the steps in front of the building.
The controversial moment came during the farewell. Shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump extended his hand to Xi Jinping for a handshake, Xi approached Melania Trump and appeared to offer his hand. Melania raised her hand in greeting instead and took a step backward.
Xi Jinping responded with a slight nod. Peng Liyuan also raised her hand and gave a brief greeting instead of shaking hands before walking down the stairs.
Donald Trump then approached the Chinese and U.S. interpreting teams and shook hands with members of each.
Because handshakes between leaders are considered a key diplomatic gesture signaling the success of a summit and the level of rapport between them, online observers have offered differing interpretations of Melania Trump's and Peng Liyuan's reactions. Some have debated whether the incident was simply a misstep in their movements or an intentional effort to maintain distance.
Meanwhile, the two countries reportedly achieved pragmatic results through the state visit, including an agreement to mutually reduce tariffs worth $30 billion, or approximately 40.7 trillion won.

[email protected] Seong Min-seo Reporter