What a week for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. After having to face some semi-tough questions about his family feud in Parliament, the man had to head off to Germany the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
A standard outing for PM Lee of course, but this summit was special — it was the first time he met US President Donald Trump face to face since the latter was elected to office. They’d spoken before on the phone of course, but having the two sit together on stage for a meeting made for a surreal sight. After all, PM Lee had pretty tight relations with previous US president Barack Obama — both of whom believe strongly in the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. President Trump however made sure to undo all their efforts by formally withdrawing the United States from the deal.
As you’d imagine, their first meeting seemed uncomfortable, despite both leaders reaffirming the relationship between Singapore and the US. Note PM Lee’s constant moving of his legs and hands, his shifty eyes, and the general vibe that he’d rather be somewhere else. We don’t blame him.
Also to note: PM Lee falling victim to President Trump’s infamously aggressive handshake, resulting in a split-second shot that seems to put Singapore’s leader in a frailer light.
But as Publichouse.sg pointed out, this wasn’t the first time PM Lee’s awkward handshake was caught on camera — he’s done the same pose during handshakes with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Malaysian PM Najib Razak and even former president Obama. It’s a minor subject to talk about, we know, but in the world of politics, the art of handshakes are highly important. And we all know Trump’s past with bizarre handshakes.
