In a departure from longstanding diplomatic custom, President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping face-to-face on the runway as the latter’s aircraft touched down at a military airbase outside Washington DC on Wednesday. The gesture marks the first time a sitting US president has personally greeted a visiting head of state at the tarmac.
The meeting signals the start of a three-day official state visit by President Xi to the United States. By bypassing the traditional role of senior aides in receiving the foreign leader, the display underscores the personal nature of the relationship between the two leaders and the significance Washington places on managing its strategic ties with Beijing.
President Xi’s arrival initiates a focused period of high-level talks aimed at addressing a range of bilateral and global issues. The unconventional welcome has drawn attention for its symbolic weight, highlighting a shift in how the Trump administration approaches high-profile diplomatic engagements.
Funny how diplomatic ‘courtesy’ just happens to look like a casual handshake for camera purposes.
Great photo op, but let’s see if the actual trade agreements match the warmth shown on the runway.
I had no idea sitting US presidents never did this before. Bold symbolism, but does it actually change policy?
Unprecedented move. Using the tarmac as a stage really emphasizes the personal nature of this deal over protocol.