Xi Jinping spots Donald Trump is 'out of breath' going up steps so stops him

China's President Xi Jinping appeared to recognise Donald Trump was struggling to climb the stairs as the pair suddenly stopped, with many believing it was so Trump could catch his breath. The two world leaders are holding crucial talks in Beijing where topics including Taiwan, trade and the Middle East will be on the table. But as they made their way inside the conference, the Republican seems to be unable to tackle steps in one go. President Trump appeared tired while climbing the staircase, and they immediately paused so he could recover his composure. The moment was caught on camera, with the Chinese leader placing his hand on his guest's back as he walked up the stairs outside the building. Last weekend, 79-year-old Trump was labelled "unfit to serve" as President following fresh accusations that he was "falling asleep" during a meeting at the Oval Office. Video footage appears to capture him with his eyes shut and barely moving for an extended period during a formal health briefing. The pair arrived at the state banquet, their final stop after a long day of meetings and sightseeing in the capital. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chinese Defense Minister Dong and US officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller were also in attendance. China's President began his speech, saying: “The people of China and the United States are both great peoples. Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” he said, referencing a well worn Communist party slogan, and one of Trump’s key catchphrases. We can help each other succeed and advance the wellbeing of the whole world. In the earlier opening remarks by the leaders on three-day visit to China , Xi offered stark warnings about avoiding possible clashes between his nation and the US on Thursday, and even cautioned Trump that Washington’s handling of its relations with Taiwan could lead to “conflicts.” His tone was a sharp contrast to Trump, who opened the highly anticipated summit with Xi by praising his Chinese counterpart and declaring that “it’s an honour to be your friend. The pair met for about two hours behind closed doors at the Great Hall of the People and discussed trade and other issues. According to a readout posted on X by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations.” That statement came after a brief public exchange before the meeting began in which Trump offered platitudes, telling Xi: “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.” “It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend,” Trump said before promising that “the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”