United States President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping upon his arrival in the US for a three-day trip focused on security, trade, and technology. Trump met Xi in person at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday, marking a rare occasion for a US president to greet a foreign leader at the airport. The US president and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on the tarmac during a welcoming ceremony that included a red carpet, handshakes, a gunfire salute, and the US national anthem.
In a statement following his arrival, Xi expressed that China and the US should be partners rather than rivals, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. He stated, "The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand, complement each other and benefit the world," as reported by Xinhua.
The in-person greeting signifies the importance Washington places on its relationship with Beijing, which has emerged as a global superpower in recent decades. Despite tensions that escalated following the imposition of high tariffs on Chinese goods by the Trump administration, Trump has shown a personal affinity for Xi and a desire to maintain strong ties with China.
Xi's visit will include a state dinner with leaders from the US tech industry, a military ceremony at the White House, and a visit to the National Archives, which houses significant historical documents such as the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
Both nations remain cautious of each other as they vie for political and economic influence. Discussions during the trip are expected to cover topics including the US war on Iran, trade, technology, rare-earth minerals, and US relations with Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the US and China have agreed to extend the 11-month deal that provided temporary relief from tariffs. Bessent stated that he met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng prior to Xi's visit to explore the possibility of a larger agreement rather than a series of smaller deals. He confirmed that the Busan Agreement, initially set to expire on November 10, has been extended to January 10.