Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States with his wife and delegation. Donald Trump personally welcomed him, organizing a gun salute ceremony and a military band performance before their important talks.
On Wednesday, 23 Sep 2026 GMT+7, an Air China flight brought Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Madam Peng Liyuan and his delegation, to Andrews Air Force Base, USA, starting a three-day visit. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump personally greeted them.
U.S. officials rolled out a 100-foot (30-meter) red carpet, with a ceremonial guard of honor and the U.S. Air Force band playing the national anthems of both countries to welcome the Chinese leader.
There was also a gun salute and a flyover by two B-1 Lancer bombers, high-performance U.S. aircraft recently active in the Iran conflict.
The two leaders and their wives shook hands, exchanged smiles, and briefly conversed before Trump escorted Xi Jinping to his presidential car. Both delegations then departed Andrews Air Force Base for Washington, D.C. Trump and his wife took the Marine One helicopter back to the White House.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are set to hold a globally watched summit on Thursday (24 Sep), expected to cover major global challenges including trade tariffs, artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the Iran war, and Taiwan issues.
This visit carries significant pressure and importance, as the U.S.-China trade agreement made last year is due to expire in November.
. bbc