Trump breaks protocol to welcome Xi at US air base
US President Donald Trump broke protocol by personally welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping at Andrews Air Force Base on Wednesday, marking the start of Xi's three-day visit to the US. The unprecedented airport reception included a red carpet, military honors, and a flyover. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a two-month extension of the trade truce between Washington and Beijing, now set to expire January 10, 2027, instead of November 10. The leaders will hold further talks at the White House, with security issues, AI, and international conflicts on the agenda. This is Xi's first US visit since 2023 and his first to the White House in nearly a decade. Xi stated the two countries "should be partners rather than rivals," while a formal dinner will host tech executives including OpenAI's Sam Altman and Tesla's Elon Musk.