Trump greets China’s Xi Jinping on arrival for three-day US visit

Arrival at Joint Base Andrews

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on 23 September 2026. The ceremony featured a red carpet, handshakes, a gunfire salute and the playing of the US national anthem, with US soldiers flanking the two couples as they walked side by side.

Planned itinerary

The three-day visit is set to include a state dinner attended by leaders of the US technology sector, a military ceremony at the White House and a tour of the National Archives, where historic documents such as the US Constitution are housed. Officials have indicated that talks will likely address the US war on Iran, trade relations, technology cooperation, rare-earth mineral supplies and US ties to Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

Context and remaining questions

The in-person greeting underscores the significance Washington places on its relationship with Beijing, despite lingering tensions from previous tariff disputes. An 11-month tariff-relief deal between the two countries is due to expire on 10 November 2026, adding urgency to trade discussions. While both sides have expressed a desire for strong ties, the specific outcomes of the meetings and any concrete agreements remain unverified at this stage.