Trump Gives Xi Rare Planeside Greeting As China State Visit Begins
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, President Donald Trump personally greeted Chinese leader Xi Jinping planeside at Joint Base Andrews as Xi began a three-day state visit to Washington.[1]
Trump met Xi at the aircraft instead of waiting at the White House, a rare ceremonial move that set the tone for the visit.[1] The visit will include an Andrews arrival ceremony, a White House troop review and a formal state dinner on Thursday.[1] Sen. Roger Wicker used a Senate floor speech on Tuesday to call the reception "lavish" and to label Xi a "brutal, unelected dictator," sharply criticizing the White House's welcome.[1]
U.S. officials framed the agenda to cover trade, artificial intelligence, the war in Iran and Taiwan, though they signaled that major breakthroughs were not expected.[1]
Reporters called the planeside welcome rare, and ceremonial choices like it will be closely watched as the leaders begin talks.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Trump personally greeted Xi Jinping planeside at Joint Base Andrews rather than waiting at the White House.
- Xi's visit is a three-day state visit featuring an Andrews arrival ceremony, a White House troop review and a formal state dinner on Thursday.
- The agenda is expected to cover U.S.-China tensions over trade, artificial intelligence, the Iran war and Taiwan, though major breakthroughs are not anticipated.
- Sen. Roger Wicker criticized the "lavish" reception and called Xi a brutal, unelected dictator in a Senate floor speech on Tuesday.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time