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鈥 Summit.
A standard outing for PM Lee of course, but this summit was special 鈥 it was the first time he met US President Donald Trump face to face since the latter was elected to office. They鈥檇 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 鈥 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鈥檇 imagine, their first meeting seemed uncomfortable, despite both leaders reaffirming the relationship between Singapore and the US. Note PM Lee鈥檚 constant moving of his legs and hands, his shifty eyes, and the general vibe that he鈥檇 rather be somewhere else.聽We don’t blame him.
Also to note: PM Lee falling victim to President Trump鈥檚 infamously aggressive handshake, resulting in a split-second shot that seems to put Singapore鈥檚 leader in a frailer聽light.
But as pointed out, this wasn鈥檛 the first time PM Lee鈥檚 awkward handshake was caught on camera 鈥 he’s done the same pose during handshakes with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Malaysian PM Najib Razak and even former president Obama. It鈥檚 a minor subject to talk about, we know, but in the world of politics, . And we all know Trump鈥檚 past with .
