'All Business, No Games': Trump Praises Xi Jinping As ‘Very Smart’ And Hard-Edged Leader

Last Updated:June 20, 2026, 02:40 IST

Trump contrasted Xi Jinping’s approach with what he described as more performative or rhetorical styles of leadership.

US President Donald Trump described Chinese President Xi Jinping as one of the most disciplined and formidable global leaders he has worked with, praising his leadership style as “all business" and highly strategic.

“President Xi of China… he’s a very smart man," Trump said during an interview on The Axios Show, reflecting on his interactions with major world leaders. Trump contrasted Xi Jinping’s approach with what he described as more performative or rhetorical styles of leadership, saying the Chinese president operates with a direct and focused mindset.

“He’s strong. He’s no games. He won’t sit down and say, ‘Oh what a beautiful day,’… It’s like all business, which I like," he said.

The comments were part of a broader discussion in which Trump was asked to identify leaders he respects on the world stage. He pointed to Xi Jinping as someone who combines intelligence with firm control over state policy and international positioning.

Trump also said he maintains an active working relationship with Xi Jinping, suggesting that direct communication between the two leaders has played a role in managing geopolitical tensions.

“I get along with him well," he said, adding that Xi Jinping “didn’t get involved" in certain conflicts after discussions between the two sides.

He did not specify which situations he was referring to, but framed the relationship as pragmatic and based on mutual strategic understanding rather than ideological alignment.

Trump further argued that leadership at the highest level requires a combination of intelligence and toughness, saying that individuals who reach such positions inevitably possess “something special."

“You can’t get to that level without being smart," he said of global leaders in general, adding that governing even smaller countries requires significant capability and resilience.

The remarks come amid ongoing strategic competition between Washington and Beijing across trade, technology and security domains. While tensions between the two countries remain, Trump’s comments emphasized personal rapport and direct engagement as key tools in managing the relationship.

He also reiterated confidence in US advantages in areas such as artificial intelligence and military strength, while acknowledging that China remains a major global competitor.

News world 'All Business, No Games': Trump Praises Xi Jinping As ‘Very Smart’ And Hard-Edged Leader

Read More