U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit. In a rare diplomatic gesture, Trump greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the military base that hosts Air Force One, rather than waiting for the Chinese leader at the White House. This marks Xi’s first trip to the U.S. in nearly three years.
First lady Melania Trump stated in an interview with Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” that the decision to personally greet Xi was based on the fact that the two leaders “have a great relationship.” She added, He’s coming on our soil, and we need to welcome them with the most respect
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Diplomatic Pageantry and Schedule
The visit is designed as a reciprocation for the ceremonial grandeur Trump experienced during a May visit to China. While Trump was met in Beijing by Vice President Han Zheng rather than Xi, the welcome included a red carpet, a military band, a military honor guard, and approximately 300 youths in white and light blue uniforms waving flags and chanting Welcome, welcome! Warm welcome!
The itinerary for the three-day visit includes several high-profile events:
- Wednesday: Arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews.
- Thursday: An arrival ceremony at the White House, a review of troops, and a visit to view historic documents that underscore the relationship between the two nations.
- Thursday Evening: A formal black-tie state dinner.
Key Agenda Items and Tensions
Despite the public spectacle, officials expect the talks to be potentially tense, with low expectations for a major breakthrough. According to Reuters, the top agenda items include technology, trade, Taiwan, and Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated on Wednesday that the U.S. is open to pursuing a more expansive trade deal or extending the current trade truce following his second meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
Points of contention include:
- Taiwan: Sources indicate Xi is likely to forcefully raise Beijing’s claim to Taiwan, a topic Washington prefers to avoid.
- Export Controls: Trump is expected to maintain firm U.S. export controls despite objections from Xi.
- Detainees: Trump is expected to seek the release of others and some Americans currently detained in China.
However, the two leaders may find common ground on expanding military-to-military dialogue, cooperating on drug trafficking, and lowering tariffs in specific sectors. They may also agree to increase discussions regarding AI, where they face fierce competition and growing dangers.
Political Friction and Global Context
The visit occurs as Trump faces falling approval ratings and public discontent regarding his war on Iran. This tension is mirrored in recent diplomatic friction; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously warned that Chinese banks could be targeted if they are part of the ecosystem that turns Iranian oil into money. While Trump suggested he could sanction Chinese banks, some analysts, such as Brookings’ Ryan Hass, suggest the U.S. is unlikely to target major financial institutions to avoid blowing up the global financial system.
Domestically, the lavish welcome has drawn criticism. Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued in a Tuesday Senate speech that Trump should not have invited Xi given the troubling issues involving the Chinese Communist Party. Wicker described Xi as an oppressive, unelected dictator and suggested Trump use the state dinner to question China’s massive military buildup and its support for Iran.
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