Donald Trump’s grip is no match for Xi Jinping’s lessons in history

Published May 14, 2026 11:45am ET | Updated May 14, 2026 12:01pm ET



Welcome to Thursday’s edition of Washington Secrets. Today, we ask who wanted what from the China summit and who came out of it ahead. (Spoiler: Probably the guy quoting Thucydides.) Plus, what is a “Mullah corner?”

President Donald Trump used all the tricks at his disposal when he met Xi Jinping in Beijing. He pulled the Chinese leader’s hand close to him and didn’t let go for 15 seconds.

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