Trump gives rare welcome to Xi Jinping in Washington

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, who broke with convention by personally welcoming him at the airport as the two powers strive to keep mounting tensions in check.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, an unusually rare airport reception for a visiting head of state. The arrival ceremony featured a red carpet, honour guards, a military band, a 21-gun salute and a B-1 bomber flyover. Moreover, Xi declared, according to Chinese state media, that China and the United States should be partners rather than rivals.

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The visit comes as Washington and Beijing attempt to manage friction over trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and other geopolitical issues. Meanwhile, the two countries have agreed to extend their existing trade truce until January 10, 2027, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced, affording both sides additional time to negotiate broader economic questions. Nevertheless, artificial intelligence, technology controls, Taiwan and other strategic differences remain firmly on the agenda for the talks between Trump and Xi.