Trump calls Xi Jinping ‘very tall’ as he says Chinese people ‘tend to be a little bit shorter’

BEIJING, CHINA: President Donald Trump described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “very tall” and praised his commanding appearance during a conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity as the two leaders continued high-level meetings in Beijing.

The interview focused on Trump’s ongoing summit with China and his discussions with Xi, with Hannity asking the president whether his relationship with the Chinese leader had changed over the years.

Trump used the moment to describe Xi as disciplined, serious, and “all business” before unexpectedly shifting the conversation toward the Chinese president’s physical appearance and presence.

Donald Trump stands at 6 ft 3 inches, while Xi Jinping is 5 ft 11 inches tall.

Donald Trump says Xi Jinping is ‘all business’ with ‘no games’ during negotiations

During the interview, Hannity reminded Trump that he had previously described Xi as a tough negotiator who stayed focused during discussions.

“You have in the past described President Xi to me as very tough, all business,” Hannity said. “You are not describing the type of business that he normally used to do. Do you think your relationship has evolved to the point where he can go along with your spontaneity?” 

Trump responded by saying Xi remained serious and direct in meetings.

“I think he’s a warm person, actually, but he’s all business. There’s no games. There’s no talking about how nice the weather is. ‘Aw, let’s look at the stars, let’s look at the sun,’ you know. No, he’s all business, and I like that. That’s a good thing. No games,” Trump said.

Donald Trump praises Xi Jinping’s ‘central casting’ look

The president then compared Xi to someone Hollywood would cast to play a world leader in a movie.

“I say about him that if he went to Hollywood and looked for a leader of China to play a role in a movie—” Trump began before Hannity jumped in with, “Central casting.”

“He’s central casting,” Trump agreed.

Trump continued praising Xi’s appearance and said the Chinese president stood out physically.

“You couldn’t find a guy like him. Even his physical features, you know. He’s tall, very tall. And especially for this country, because they tend to be a little bit shorter,” Trump said.

Trump also praises Chinese military display in Beijing

As the conversation continued, Trump spoke about the military ceremony and atmosphere surrounding his visit to Beijing.

“You look at the military. I mean, the military today was incredible. That military marching was incredible,” he said.

Trump also reiterated that Xi carried himself as if he were specifically chosen to portray a powerful leader on screen. 

“But no, if you went to Hollywood, you would not find that. You aren’t going to find a guy to play the role who’s good,” Trump added.

The comments came during a discussion about diplomacy and negotiations between the United States and China.

Trump repeatedly stressed that Xi approached discussions in a disciplined and focused manner without distractions or unnecessary small talk.