Trump rolls out red carpet for Xi at rare airport welcome

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday (September 23) for a three-day state visit at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, receiving an unusually personal welcome from Trump at Joint Base Andrews.

Xi, accompanied by Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, was greeted by Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump on the tarmac, where a red carpet and military honour guard were arranged for the arrival ceremony.

Trump’s decision to personally meet Xi at the airbase broke with the usual protocol of receiving visiting leaders at the White House.

The ceremony featured the national anthems, a military band, a 21-gun salute and a military flyover. Children also presented flowers to Xi and Peng as the two couples exchanged greetings.

Trump said he was pleased to welcome Xi and Peng to Washington, describing the Chinese president’s visit as an important one for the world. He said he looked forward to discussing key issues with Xi and advancing ties between the two countries.

In a written statement after his arrival, Xi conveyed greetings from the Chinese people to the American people and said the interests of China and the United States were deeply interconnected.

Xi said the two countries should be partners rather than rivals and argued that China’s national rejuvenation and Trump’s goal of “making America great again” were not in conflict.

He said he and Trump had agreed during the US president’s visit to China in May to build a constructive relationship based on strategic stability. Xi called for cooperation to remain the mainstay of bilateral ties, while competition should be moderated and differences managed.

Xi said the historical basis for peaceful coexistence between China and the United States had not changed despite shifts in the global environment.

He expressed hope that his talks with Trump would address major bilateral and international issues and expand communication and cooperation between the two countries.

The September 23-25 visit is expected to focus on trade, technology, artificial intelligence, security and other areas of US-China relations. The two sides are also seeking to manage trade tensions and maintain greater stability in their relationship.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are scheduled to host Xi and Peng at a state arrival ceremony and state dinner at the White House on Thursday.