US President Donald Trump rolled out a lavish welcome for his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, complete with a military flyover and 100ft red carpet, as Xi arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday evening. The ceremony marked the beginning of Xi's three-day summit in Washington, where he will engage in high-stakes talks with Trump. The two leaders and their spouses, Peng Liyuan and Melania Trump, were greeted with a 21-gun salute and a rendition of the US national anthem by the US Air Force band.
The visit, Xi's first to Washington since 2015, comes at a critical juncture in US-China relations. The two nations have been locked in a trade truce, which was set to expire on November 10. However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Wednesday that the US and China will extend their trade truce to January. The agreement saw Trump lower tariff rates on some goods in exchange for Xi loosening restrictions on rare earth minerals.
Xi's entourage, including Cai Qi, a member of the party's Politburo Standing Committee, vice premier He Lifeng, and foreign minister Wang Yi, were also welcomed at the airport. The Chinese delegation is expected to engage in closed-door meetings with Trump and his administration, focusing on issues such as artificial intelligence, the Iran war, and Taiwan. The two leaders will also host a state dinner, providing an opportunity for bilateral talks.
In a written statement published by China's state news agency Xinhua, Xi emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two nations. He stated that China and the US are "great nations, and their people are great people." Xi added that the two countries should be partners rather than rivals, and that their rejuvenation and growth can coexist and benefit the world.
Melania Trump has been intimately involved in the planning of the itinerary, according to her interview with Fox News. She revealed that Trump made the decision to personally greet Xi at the airport due to their great relationship. The gesture marked a significant departure from protocol, as it was the first time since 1962 that a US president has personally welcomed a foreign leader at Joint Base Andrews.
The visit has sparked interest in the potential for a more substantive trade deal between the two countries. Bessent stated that the US and China discussed the possibility of a more comprehensive agreement during his meeting with He Lifeng. However, it remains unclear if Xi has brought any business executives with him, which could raise questions about Chinese business practices and subsidies.
Xi's visit is expected to yield fruitful results, according to his statement carried by Xinhua. He expressed confidence that the visit will reinforce the growth of both nations and benefit the world. As the two leaders engage in high-level talks, the international community will be watching closely for signs of progress on key issues.
Key points
- The US and China have extended their trade truce to January.
- Xi Jinping's visit marks his first trip to Washington since 2015.
- Trump personally welcomed Xi at Joint Base Andrews, a rare gesture of protocol.
