Trump greets Xi at air base as US, China extend trade truce
US President Donald Trump personally greeted Chinese leader Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, September 23, marking a rare protocol gesture as Xi arrived for a three-day state visit. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan at the aircraft steps with a military band and cannon salutes. The last such presidential welcome at the base was in 2015 when Barack Obama received Pope Francis. Xi stated the two nations "should be partners, not rivals." The main talks occur Thursday at the White House. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced both countries extended their trade truce until January 10, after its November expiration, agreeing to reduce mutual tariffs and avoid new trade restrictions.