US President Donald Trump extended a formal military welcome to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Wednesday evening as the summit began in Washington. The two-day visit, Xi’s first to the US capital since 2015, kicked off at Joint Base Andrews with a flyover by B-1 bombers and a 100-foot red carpet stretching across the tarmac.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and Peng Liyuan upon their arrival aboard an Air China flight. The gesture marked the first time since 1962 that a sitting US president personally welcomed a foreign leader at the base, a precedent set when John F Kennedy greeted British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. The move underscores the significance Trump attaches to the current diplomatic engagement.
In a statement released by China’s state news agency Xinhua, Xi described the United States and China as “great nations” whose people are also great, asserting that the two countries should act as partners rather than rivals. He expressed confidence that the visit would yield substantive outcomes, adding that China’s goal of national rejuvenation and America’s drive to “make America great again” could coexist and benefit the world.
The talks are expected to cover a range of complex issues, including artificial intelligence regulation, the ongoing conflict in Iran, the status of Taiwan, and the extension of the current trade truce. On Wednesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the two nations would extend their trade agreement to January, originally designed to lower certain US tariffs in exchange for increased access to Chinese rare earth minerals. Bessent stated that discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng also explored the potential for a more comprehensive long-term trade deal.
While Trump accompanied a delegation of major US tech executives, including leaders from Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia, during his trip to Beijing in May, it remains unclear whether Xi has brought business leaders with him to Washington. Analysts suggest that bringing Chinese firms to the US could invite scrutiny regarding subsidies and trade practices.
Melania Trump has been deeply involved in curating the itinerary, which includes a state dinner on Thursday attended by US AI industry leaders. Cultural engagements are also planned, such as a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art and a closing ceremony at the National Archives to review historical records significant to bilateral relations.
David Firestein of the Bush China Foundation noted that while the core issues remain consistent, there is less volatility in the relationship compared to 2025. He predicted Xi would push for delays or cancellation of a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan and deeper trade integration, though previous commitments on agricultural purchases and rare earth exports have yet to be fully realized.
Polling data indicates a slight warming of American public opinion toward China. A recent Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey found that 41% of Americans view China’s territorial ambitions as a threat, down from 52% in 2022. Furthermore, 57% of Americans believe the US should cooperate with Beijing, a sentiment shared by most Democrats and non-MAGA Republicans, though it diverges from the views of Trump’s loyal base, where 63% favor limiting ties.
Melania curating the itinerary adds a nice cultural touch. The Smithsonian visit sounds meaningful compared to purely political events.
AI regulation and Taiwan are huge topics. Glad public opinion is warming slightly, but there’s still a partisan divide.
Will any of these tech executives actually announce US investments, or is it just photo ops? Skeptical about real outcomes.
Rare earth minerals for tariff relief seems like a pragmatic move. I hope the trade truce extension holds past January.
Interesting that Trump personally welcomed Xi at Andrews, a first since JFK. Shows how much he values this summit.