The visit will include formal White House ceremonies, talks between the two leaders, a state dinner and a visit to the National Archives….reports Asian Lite News Desk
US President Donald Trump personally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday evening, opening a three day state visit that will include formal ceremonies at the White House, talks between the two leaders and a state dinner.
Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arrived at the Maryland military base shortly before 6 p.m. local time, where they were greeted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. A 100 foot red carpet was rolled out on the tarmac as the Chinese delegation arrived.
Trump’s decision to meet Xi at the airport was an unusual diplomatic gesture, as US presidents traditionally receive visiting state guests at the White House. The two leaders stood alongside each other on the tarmac as a military band played the national anthems and ceremonial cannon fire accompanied the welcome. Two B 1 bombers also flew overhead.
The airport reception was the opening event of Xi’s visit, with the main state arrival ceremony scheduled at the White House on Thursday morning.
The White House said nearly 500 members of the US armed forces would participate in the formal ceremony, which will include military honours, a troop review and performances by military bands and drill units. The ceremony is scheduled to conclude with a flyover involving a B 2 Spirit bomber and four F 22 Raptors.
Trump and Xi are also scheduled to hold talks at the White House as the two countries seek to manage differences over trade, technology and other issues. The visit comes amid efforts by Washington and Beijing to maintain dialogue and manage tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
While the two presidents meet, Melania Trump and Peng are scheduled to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. They will view works reflecting centuries of artistic achievement and cultural exchange between the United States and China.
A state dinner will be held at the White House on Thursday evening, with Trump and Melania hosting Xi and Peng in the East Room.
On Friday, the two couples are scheduled to have tea at the White House before travelling to the National Archives. They will view documents and records relating to the history of US China relations before the visit concludes with a farewell ceremony.
The visit is Xi’s first state visit to Washington in more than a decade and comes as the US and China continue discussions on trade and economic issues. The two countries have also been working to maintain a trade truce, while issues including artificial intelligence and critical minerals remain part of the broader bilateral agenda.
Trump previously hosted Xi at his Mar a Lago estate in Florida in April 2017 during his first term. Later that year, Trump travelled to Beijing, where the two leaders held talks and visited the Forbidden City.
The latest visit gives Trump and Xi another opportunity for direct discussions as Washington and Beijing seek to manage their differences through high level diplomatic engagement.
