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A fresh diplomatic optics controversy has erupted after viral videos from US President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing showed the two leaders seated on apparently different-height sofas. Social media users quickly claimed Xi orchestrated the arrangement to make Trump appear shorter, despite Trump being officially around 10 cm taller than Xi.

The clip, widely shared on X and other platforms, shows Xi sitting noticeably higher while Trump appears lower in his seat. Netizens accused Chinese hosts of custom-made sofas and meticulous planning for visual dominance. “The sofa must be specially made. Xi’s is significantly higher,” one popular post read.

However, counterclaims suggest Trump himself asked staff to remove a cushion from his chair during a state banquet, leading to the height difference. This move reportedly backfired visually, making him sink lower compared to Xi.

The incident has triggered a storm of memes, conspiracy theories, and debates on diplomatic protocol. While some call it a subtle Chinese power play, others dismiss it as camera angles, posture, or Trump’s heavier build compressing the cushion. The viral buzz overshadowed substantive talks on trade, Taiwan, and economic ties during the high-stakes summit. Such seating dramas continue to fuel global interest in leader optics.