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US President Donald Trump has given Chinese President Xi Jinping a rare personal airport welcome as Washington hosts a high-profile state visit focused on easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews, a US military airfield outside Washington, where officials arranged a formal reception complete with a red carpet, military band, and national anthems.
The two leaders stood side by side on the tarmac as two B-1 bombers flew overhead. The noise appeared to catch Trump off guard, as the 80-year-old president reacted to the roar of the aircraft while Xi remained expressionless.
Trump dismissed comparisons over Xi’s decision not to offer a similar airport reception during his visit to Beijing earlier in the year.
“I thought it was a great little meeting, a great greeting, and I think they appreciate it,” Trump told reporters at the White House after the welcome ceremony.
The visit, the third meeting between Trump and Xi since the US president returned to office, is expected to focus on trade, artificial intelligence, Iran and wider global security issues.
Xi is visiting the United States from September 23 to 25. AFP
Ahead of the talks, Washington announced an extension of a trade truce with Beijing, moving the deadline from November 10 to January 10. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the move as an “economic detente” following negotiations between American and Chinese officials.
However, expectations for major agreements remain limited, with analysts saying the ceremony and symbolism aim to maintain stability in relations between the two rivals.
Iran is also expected to be part of the discussions. When asked whether he would raise the issue, Trump said, “I’ll be talking about that and many other subjects, but it’s all coming along well, including that.”
Artificial intelligence will be another major focus, as Washington and Beijing compete for technological leadership. Preliminary talks between officials from both countries included discussions on creating a communication channel to address concerns surrounding AI development.
The warm reception has drawn criticism from some US lawmakers. Republican Senator Roger Wicker described Xi as a “brutal, unelected and oppressive dictator,” arguing that the US should approach the Chinese leader with caution.
Despite the disagreements, Trump’s administration has presented the visit as an opportunity to manage tensions and maintain dialogue between Washington and Beijing.
