The Canadian Prime Minister found himself sat between Mr Bolsonaro and Chinese president Xi Jinping during the summit in Osaka, Japan. As tensions between Canada and China rise over trade issues, Mr Trudeau turned to Mr Bolsonaro to offer him a handshake. But in awkward footage, Mr Trudeau’s hand is left flailing as Mr Bolsonaro acknowledges him before quickly turning away.
Mr Trudeau has since been savaged on Twitter for the awkward moment.
One said: “Trudeau is a walking embarrassment.”
While another added: “Trudeau-No-Mates.”
However, one Twitter user explained Mr Trudeau is pointing out the person to the left and not trying to shake his hand.
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Following the tense seating arrangement, Mr Trudeau had “positive, constructive interactions” with Xi on the sidelines of the summit.
Mr Trudeau spoke “more than once” to Xi, an official in Trudeau’s office confirmed.
The official said: “There will likely be more opportunities ahead to have a conversation if needed.”
The contact between the two leaders was the first since diplomatic and trade relations turned icy last December after Canadian police arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on a US warrant.
China detained two Canadians following Meng’s arrest and has charged them with spying.
US President Donald Trump, who met Xi on Saturday, said last week he would ask for the Canadians’ release if Mr Trudeau wanted him to do so.
Earlier this week, China blocked all imports of Canadian meat after fraudulent documents were discovered.
Chinese importers have also stopped buying Canadian canola.