Xi Jinping Arrives in US for Three-Day Visit, Trump Gives Rare Welcome
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States for a three-day state visit, receiving a rare personal welcome from US President Donald Trump as the leaders prepare for high-level talks on trade, technology and some of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical issues.
Xi arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday accompanied by First Lady Peng Liyuan. Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump were present to receive the Chinese president and his wife, an unusual gesture because visiting foreign leaders are not routinely greeted at the airport by the US president.
The arrival included an elaborate ceremonial welcome. Express Urdu reported that a 100-foot red carpet was laid out, ceremonial military units were deployed alongside US and Chinese flags, and a military band played the two countries’ national anthems.
A ceremonial gun salute was also held, while two US Air Force B-1 bombers flew over Joint Base Andrews during Xi’s arrival. Trump and Xi briefly spoke after greeting each other before the Chinese leader departed for Washington.
The visit runs from September 23 to 25 and was arranged at Trump’s invitation, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. Beijing described it as an important high-level engagement and said the leaders would exchange views on bilateral relations and major international issues.
Trade, AI and Taiwan on Summit Agenda
Xi and Trump are expected to hold substantive talks during the visit, with trade, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, Taiwan and strategic security among the major issues facing the world’s two largest economies.
Trade will be particularly important. Washington and Beijing have been operating under a fragile trade truce, while disagreements remain over tariffs, strategic minerals, Chinese purchases of US goods and restrictions involving advanced technology.
The two governments have nevertheless shown interest in preventing economic competition from developing into a wider confrontation.
Taiwan is another potentially contentious subject. Reuters reported ahead of the summit that Xi was expected to press Trump to reduce or halt US arms sales to Taiwan, citing Beijing’s interpretation of commitments made in a 1982 US-China communiqué.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes official US engagement and arms sales to the island. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, while US law provides for support enabling Taiwan to maintain sufficient self-defence capability.
Iran and Middle East Also in Focus
The ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran is also expected to feature in the discussions.
China has maintained significant economic relations with Iran, while Beijing has publicly called for restraint, diplomacy and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the Middle East crisis with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of Xi’s visit.
The Trump administration is seeking broader international support as it explores diplomatic options with Tehran, though the extent to which Beijing could or would influence Iran remains uncertain.
Xi’s visit comes at a moment when the United States and China remain strategic competitors but are simultaneously seeking greater stability in their relationship. AP reports that both governments appear interested in managing tensions even as disagreements continue over AI, trade, Taiwan and Iran.
The visit is expected to include formal meetings, private discussions and a state dinner. AP reported ahead of Xi’s arrival that the programme would also include a private tea and a visit to the National Archives.
The most consequential part of the visit will be the Trump-Xi talks, where the two leaders will seek areas of cooperation while managing longstanding economic and strategic disputes.
