President Donald Trump greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews, a gesture that marked a departure from the customary White House reception. The ceremony, described as a 'king‑like welcome,' featured a flag‑raising, a military band, and a televised salute.
A closed‑door summit is slated for later that day, followed by a state dinner attended by leaders of Apple, Nvidia, and OpenAI, according to Reuters. The dinner will also host key officials from the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce, underscoring the blend of diplomacy and business.
The visit includes a tour of the National Archives, where the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution are housed, underscoring the symbolic nature of the encounter. The trip also aims to signal to the American public that Washington can manage its rivalry with China amid growing concerns over Iran. Edgard Kagan told Reuters that Trump believes the US economy will recover, while Xi sees the US in decline. China had matched Trump's 125 per cent tariffs last year, forcing a near‑collapse of trade.
The two leaders are expected to discuss trade, AI competition, and the stalled dispute over Iran, with Beijing reportedly agreeing to extend the existing trade truce until early 2027. A formal communiqué is likely to be issued after the summit, with each side preparing to project a different narrative to domestic audiences.
For the American public, the spectacle comes at a time when mid‑term elections loom and war on Iran has sparked discontent. A family of three in Washington, D.C., left the airport amid the fanfare, hoping the deal would translate into better jobs. The next day, the White House will hold a press briefing to outline any agreements reached.