2 Mins Read
ADNews-Washington, U.S: President Donald Trump has extended an unusual level of diplomatic courtesy to Chinese President Xi Jinping, personally welcoming him at the airport during Xi’s visit to Washington.
Xi landed at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 where he was received by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the tarmac. The welcome included a red carpet, an honor guard and a flyover by two B-1 bombers.
The reception marked the first time Trump had personally welcomed a foreign leader at the airport in such a manner during a state visit. It also marked Xi’s first trip to Washington in more than a decade.
The unusually elaborate reception comes as Washington seeks progress on several key issues in its relationship with Beijing, including trade, rare-earth exports and broader economic cooperation.
Trade Deal
Minutes after Xi’s arrival, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the existing U.S.-China tariff truce, known as the “Busan Agreement,” would be extended from its November 10 expiration date to January 10.
Bessent said Washington hoped to negotiate a broader economic package during the extended period, while acknowledging that some of China’s commitments had not been fully met.
Rare-Earth Exports
According to Reuters, the United States is also seeking increased Chinese export licenses for rare-earth materials, as well as greater Chinese purchases of American goods.
Rare-earth minerals are considered strategically important because they are used in a wide range of products, including electronics, electric vehicles and defense technologies.
Seeking Stability
The meeting comes as Washington and Beijing navigate a number of sensitive international issues, including the war in Iran, the conflict in Ukraine, artificial intelligence and tensions surrounding Taiwan.
Analysts cited by Reuters and CNN said the two leaders appeared interested in demonstrating stability in the U.S.-China relationship, although expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited.
Trump has previously described Xi as a “great leader” and a friend.
Xi’s formal White House arrival ceremony on Thursday featured military bands, fighter-jet flyovers and nearly 500 U.S. service members. The ceremony was followed by talks in the Oval Office and a state dinner hosted by Trump.
The dinner is reportedly only the second state dinner Trump has hosted during his current term.
The unusually warm reception has also drawn questions from some Republicans over the political optics of the visit, coming just six weeks before the U.S. midterm elections.
Comments are closed.