US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, with the two superpower leaders expected to discuss the Iran war, trade, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence. Trump inspected an honour guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, where he was greeted by Xi.
Arrival and Ceremonies
Trump arrived aboard Air Force One at Beijing Capital Airport, where he was welcomed by Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng. The US president presented Tesla CEO Elon Musk to Han Zheng. Motorcycle escorts and security travelled in the motorcade with Trump through the city. Residents waited outside the airport to catch a glimpse of the presidential plane, and people gathered to see the motorcade arrive at the Four Seasons hotel.
Welcome Ceremony at the Great Hall
Chinese People’s Liberation Army members marched during the welcome ceremony. Military honour guards awaited Trump's arrival, and an honour guard moved into place for the ceremony. Honour guard members on Tiananmen Square fired gun salutes. Children waved Chinese and US flags as the leaders met.
Bilateral Meeting
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met inside the Great Hall of the People for a bilateral meeting. Trump shook hands with Xi upon arrival. The US delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. A portrait of late Chinese chairman Mao Zedong hung in the background as a PLA member held up a US flag.
Public Reactions
People took photos as Trump’s motorcade passed through the Wangfujing shopping street. In Taipei, a man watched a television news programme at a restaurant showing the meeting. A person also watched on a smartphone as Trump arrived in China. Chinese youth, a military honour guard, and a military band joined Chinese officials to welcome Trump.
The meeting between the two leaders is seen as crucial for addressing key global issues. Discussions are expected to cover the ongoing Iran war, trade tensions between the two nations, the status of Taiwan, and advancements in artificial intelligence. The outcome of the talks may have significant implications for international relations and economic policies.
