A vibrant spectacle unfolded as hundreds of Chinese students, clad in bright attire and waving flowers along with miniature flags of China and the United States, lined up to honor Xi Jinping's reception of Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This ceremonious event, steeped in diplomatic symbolism, quickly gained traction on social media.
The scene depicted Trump, dressed in a dark suit with a red tie, smiling as he walked alongside Xi Jinping, who wore a dark blue suit, on a red carpet. Girls joyfully waved flowers while boys raised the flags of both nations. At one point, Trump gave Xi Jinping a friendly pat on the arm, showcasing a moment of camaraderie.
Xi Jinping descended a grand staircase of 39 red-carpeted steps to formally welcome the U.S. President. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, a military band playing the U.S. national anthem, and an inspection of the People's Liberation Army honor guard, which marched in a goose-step formation with an officer brandishing a ceremonial sword.
Large flags of both nations adorned the building, held aloft by soldiers, while Tiananmen Square remained entirely cleared, with access limited to officials, journalists, and military personnel.
This reception mirrored and expanded upon the symbolic gestures from Trump's initial visit to China in November 2017, when Beijing showcased an honor guard of 18,000 soldiers—the largest formation for a foreign leader up to that point, as reported by China's official news agency, Xinhua. The current visit, spanning May 13 to 15, marks the first by a sitting U.S. president to China in nearly nine years.
Trump arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday at 7:50 PM local time aboard Air Force One, greeted by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, China's ambassador to the United States Xie Feng, and Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, along with 300 young Chinese holding flags and a military band.
The U.S. delegation accompanying Trump includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio—undertaking his inaugural official trip to China in this role despite previous sanctions from Beijing—Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Elon Musk, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
The agenda for the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing covers bilateral trade, technology, Taiwan, and Iran. Washington's trade goals include securing Chinese commitments to purchase soybeans, liquefied natural gas, and Boeing aircraft.
The summit aims to extend the trade truce agreed upon in Busan, South Korea, in October 2025, which suspended tariffs that had risen to 145% from Washington and 125% from Beijing. As a prelude, Chinese Vice President He Lifeng and Bessent convened on May 12 and 13 in South Korea for final trade negotiations.
Chatham House has cautioned that "the brief agenda indicates a shared preference for managing rivalry rather than resolving it," encapsulating the tempered expectations both sides bring to this summit between the world's two leading powers.
Key Aspects of the Trump-Xi Summit
What was the significance of Trump's visit to China?
Trump's visit to China is significant as it marks the first visit by a sitting U.S. president in almost nine years, aiming to address trade issues and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations.
What topics are being discussed at the Trump-Xi summit?
The summit's agenda includes discussions on bilateral trade, technology, Taiwan, and Iran, with an emphasis on extending the previously agreed trade truce.
Who accompanied Trump on his trip to China?
Trump's delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Elon Musk, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.