WASHINGTON: Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States for a state visit at the invitation of President Donald Trump.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump personally welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday. The rare airport reception marked the start of Xi’s three-day state visit to the United States.
The welcome included a formal military ceremony. Honor guards lined the red carpet as the Chinese president and his wife arrived at the base.
Rare Welcome at Joint Base Andrews
Trump’s decision to meet Xi at the military base was unusual.
US presidents normally welcome visiting foreign leaders at the White House. However, Trump went to Joint Base Andrews to greet Xi as he arrived in Washington.
The White House had announced the arrangement before Xi’s arrival. It said Trump would personally greet Xi and Peng Liyuan at the base on September 23.
The visit marks Xi’s first state visit to the United States since 2015. It also comes more than a decade after his previous visit to the White House.
Major Issues on the Agenda
Xi and Trump are expected to discuss several major issues during the visit.
These include artificial intelligence, trade and broader economic ties. The leaders are also expected to discuss Iran and Taiwan.
The two countries have faced differences over trade, technology and security. Therefore, the talks carry significance for wider US-China relations.
Extensive State Visit Programme
The White House has planned a formal state arrival ceremony for Xi on Thursday.
According to the White House, the ceremony will include 479 US military personnel from all branches of the armed forces. It will also feature national anthems, military demonstrations and a flyover.
Trump will host Xi and Peng Liyuan at a state dinner at the White House. The programme will also include cultural activities for the two first ladies.
The visit will conclude on Friday with a private tea at the White House and a visit to the National Archives in Washington.
A High-Profile Diplomatic Gesture
Trump’s personal welcome at Joint Base Andrews has drawn attention because of its unusual protocol.
The US and China are seeking to manage differences across trade, technology and security. Against this backdrop, the high-profile welcome sets the tone for Xi’s state visit.
