Washington (HRNW)- US President Donald Trump personally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday as Xi began a three-day state visit to the United States. The arrival ceremony featured a 100-foot red carpet, military honors, national flags, national anthems, a 21-gun salute, and a military flyover.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on the airport tarmac, where the two couples exchanged greetings before the Chinese delegation departed for Washington.
The ceremony included US and Chinese flags and an honor guard representing the US armed forces. Following the welcome, Xi left Joint Base Andrews for Washington, while Trump and the first lady returned to the White House.
The three-day visit is scheduled to include formal meetings at the White House, a state dinner, and discussions between Trump and Xi on major bilateral and international issues. The leaders are expected to address trade and tariffs, rare-earth minerals, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the conflict involving Iran.
Trade remains a major issue, with Washington and Beijing discussing an extension of their existing trade truce. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the arrangement had been extended to January 10 to allow additional time for negotiations on a broader trade agreement.
The two governments are also discussing access to critical minerals, technology restrictions, and possible cooperation on artificial intelligence. Taiwan remains another sensitive issue, alongside China’s economic relationship with Iran and US efforts to address Tehran’s activities.
The visit marks Xi’s first trip to Washington in more than a decade and represents the second summit between Trump and Xi this year. Both governments have described the visit as an opportunity to manage differences and expand dialogue despite continuing disagreements over trade, technology, security, and regional affairs.
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