Xi Jinping is not known for his easy smiles. China’s most powerful Communist leader in decades has built a reputation reinforced by state media during his 12-year rule as a serious and steady hand.

U.S. President Donald Trump appealed directly to China's Xi Jinping to free jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai when the two leaders met in South Korea last week, according to three people briefed on the talks and a U.

Rarely seen smiling, Chinese President Xi Jinping's stoic image was unexpectedly challenged by candid White House photos. These images captured him in lighter moments with Donald Trump and during a humorous exchange in South Korea,

Great pleasure to see you again,” Xi told Trump as they shook hands ahead of opening remarks at a South Korean air base after nearly a year of tit-for-tat tariff and trade escalations.

"We're going to have a vey successful meeting, I have no doubt," President Trump said while shaking hands with China's Xi Jinping. "But he's a very tough negotiator. That's not good."

The White House has put up dozens of photos of US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the US-China summit in South Korea. The images showed the leaders in a relaxed mood, with Xi at first appearing amused before bursting out laughing when Trump showed him a piece of paper.

Busan: In a major step towards easing ongoing trade tensions, US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed on a one-year deal for the supply of crucial rare earth materials.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is not usually associated with an ecstatic smile. That is because the country's government, along with the state media, has worked hard to build a reputation of seriousness.