Trump, Xi meet in Beijing

US President Donald Trump held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting began at the traditional 'Great Hall of the People' located on the western edge of Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Thursday (May 14). This is Trump's first visit to China since 2017, which is considered very significant in the context of world politics.

When Donald Trump arrived at the Great Hall of the People this morning, he was greeted with state honors with a 21-gun salute. The US national anthem 'The Star-Spangled Banner' and the Chinese national anthem were played during the reception. At this time, President Trump accepted the greetings and President Xi Jinping stood next to him on a stage decorated in red and gold. In this colorful event, local school children waved the flags and flowers of the two countries and greeted the heads of state. China usually hosts state receptions and important talks for foreign dignitaries in this historic building, established in 1959, reports Al Jazeera.

Earlier, the US president landed at Beijing Airport on Wednesday local time. He was welcomed at the airport by high-ranking government officials including the Chinese Vice President.

A high-level delegation is participating with Trump on this visit. The delegation includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trade Representative Jameson Greer and Commerce Secretary Scott Besant. However, the list of those on the Chinese delegation has not yet been officially announced.

According to diplomatic sources, in addition to resolving the ongoing trade conflict between the two countries, global stability will be the most important issue in this meeting. The main goal of the talks is to reach an effective equation to resolve the shipping congestion and crisis in the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East.