A TOP body language expert has revealed who is the true “alpha” out of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping after the pair met in Moscow.
A duo of notorious leaders shared tea and cakes before attending Russia’s Victory Day parade. But among these leaders, who holds more sway and who is simply seeking a closer ally?
The two presidents sat side by side during today’s parade in Moscow, which showcased nuclear weapons, tanks, drones, and armed forces in front of numerous global leaders to display power.
Putin aimed to awe his audience by orchestrating Russia’s largest military parade since beginning the invasion of Ukraine, although Kyiv criticized the event as a “parade of cynicism.”
The most high-profile and notable name at the event was China‘s Xi who flew in from Beijing on Thursday.
Putin and Xi have grown close in recent months with the pair recently visiting each other on several occasions as they look to strengthen their diplomatic and personal relationship.
And the two nuclear armed pals continued to develop this close bond over the parade.
But for body language expert Judi James it is abundantly clear which world leader is desperate for the other’s attention.
Speaking after watching several clips of the two seated together at the parade, Judi said Xi comes across as the clear strongman.
She told The Sun: “The alpha power signals are Xi’s as he sits like a very honoured guest at the parade.
“While Xi is in conversation with someone to his right, Putin seems to be literally hopping about with what looks like excitement to join in and attract Xi’s attention.
“He pops about in his seat, leaning across to make a comment that seems to involve a very casual thumb-jerk at Xi as though he is a mate he’s sharing a laugh with.”
Another thing Judi noticed was how eager Putin appeared to be compared to his normal stoic nature.
He stuck his tongue in and out several times out of “anticipation” as he tried to catch Xi’s attention, she said.
Vlad lent over several times to be closer to Xi as well as their interpreter spoke for them both.
After their meeting on the Thursday, Putin even addressed the Chinese leader as his “dear friend”.
The alpha power signals are Xi’s
Judi James
And as the Kremlin chief drifted from his typical mannerisms and tendencies Xi remained his usual self.
He held a solid but polite pose throughout the event but didn’t once suggest he was going to “openly mirror his host’s displays of cheerful excitement”.
The pair also met up a day earlier as they held a bizarre talk over an afternoon tea.
They sat in one of the Kremlin’s grand palaces on golden chairs which matched up to the gold table, walls and sofa all in front of them.
The one-on-one bilateral meeting saw them tuck into fruit and what appeared to be cake.
But in a major out of character moment for Putin which he rarely allows the world to see, he poured Xi a cup of tea by himself.
Usually, Vlad would beckon over one of his staff to serve the drinks so he could show off his loyal followers and impress Xi.
Judi believes the change of behaviour could be an attempt to show the world that despite his war time troubles Putin is unfazed by the pressure.
Instead he is trying to give off a sense of “gracious, untroubled cordiality”.
Despite Judi’s comments she did notice how Putin flipped back into his usual snarling demeanour when he took to the stage to give a presidential speech at the parade.
Russia’s Victory Day
RUSSIA, and the Soviet Union before it, celebrates Victory Day on May 9 every year to commemorate the end of World War Two.
Central to the celebrations is a major military parade in Moscow’s Red Square, during which Russia’s President Vladimir Putin gives a speech.
However, the date differs in many other European countries, who mark VE Day on May 8 – the day on which Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender was accepted.
Putin’s vast military parade on Red Square is seen as one of his favourite celebrations.
This year marked the 80th anniversary of the fall of Adolf Hitler – meaning the Kremlin celebrated in style.
Dozens of tanks and armoured trucks were wheeled out across the Russian capital.
The actual event also saw more than 10,000 Russians troops taking part as well as soldiers from North Korea.
Among those in attendance included Chinese president Xi Jinping and the leaders of ex-Soviet states including Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko.
Putin took the mic to claim that “peace and justice are on our side,” and that Russia is united behind the war in Ukraine.
He said: “The whole country, society and people support the participants of the special military operation.
“We are proud of their bravery and determination, of the fortitude that has always brought us only victory.”
Putin’s monologue was followed by a volley of cannon fire and a well-oiled military procession.
Around 11,000 soldiers clutching rifles and flags marched in perfect unison to a thunderous brass band.
Enormous nuclear warheads and armoured tanks trundled past, and fighter jets stormed overhead trailing the colours of Russia’s flag.
Drones were included in the parade for the first time, in recognition of their increasing significance on the battlefield.
Russia expert Stephen Hall told The Sun: “Russia is trying to highlight they’re not isolated, that it’s business as usual and that they have the capacity to show military force.
“But we have to remember that a lot of this is for show, and also that this is the 80th anniversary of a celebration that is very important to Vladimir Putin.”
