Lip reader reveals Trump’s 4-word remark to Xi after their meeting in South Korea

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA: Footage from President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea has drawn attention after a lip reader claimed to have deciphered their brief conversation.

According to Nicola Hickling's analysis, Trump appeared to tell Xi, “We should stick together,” as the two leaders spoke outside the venue following their trade discussions. 

Lip reader decodes Trump and Xi Jinping's conversation

The two leaders met for an hour and 40 minutes in South Korea, a stop on Donald Trump’s Asia tour, which aims to ease trading tensions. The footage later showed both sharing a brief, friendly exchange outside the venue. 

According to the lip reading expert Nicola Hickling’s analysis of the video, she believed to had caught an important remark. 

Hickling told The Mirror US, "From the moment Trump says 'We should stick together' to the quiet follow-up 'Let's keep working together... okay, I'll speak to you about it... I'm sure we can work something out,' the exchange paints a picture of back-channel diplomacy that cameras caught but the microphones didn't."

"Xi's brief glance down, hesitant nod, and pursed lips speak volumes about the tension in that moment," she added. "It's exactly the kind of off-mic content that gives a sharper global angle on power dynamics, personal tone, and unfiltered dialogue at the world's top table in real time."

Trump and Xi exchange compliments during televised meeting

During their televised meeting, they exchanged compliments with Xi Jinping saying "it feels warm" to see Trump, despite the countries having "frictions now and then." 

"In the face of winds, waves, and challenges, you and I at the helm of China and US relations should stay the right course and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-US relations," Xi told Trump.

"I always believe that China's development goes hand-in-hand with your vision to make America great again. Our two countries are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together," the Chinese president added. 

Trump also praised Xi, calling the Chinese leader a "great leader of a great country," adding that he thinks "we're going to have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time."

Trump and Xi meet amid strained ties

The two nations have been at odds with each other after the US slapped hefty tariffs on Chinese imports, blamed China for exacerbating the American opioid crisis, and accused Beijing of backing Iran-supported Houthi forces.

These aggressive tariff policies and China’s response with rare earth export limits make the meeting a significant one.

Following the meeting, Trump described it as "amazing." He also announced that the overall tariffs on China will be cut to 47% from 57%.