Trump Praises Xi After Airport Welcome, Calls Chinese President 'Better Than Ever'
US President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as looking "better than ever" after personally welcoming him at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, September 23, during Xi's three-day state visit to the US. Trump posted on X that Xi appeared "strong, vibrant, and fit," and also complimented Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, as "beautiful." The reception featured a red carpet, honor guard, military music, and a flyover, with Trump's airport appearance marking an unusual departure from standard protocol. The visit includes formal talks at the White House covering trade, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, alongside a state dinner and arrival ceremony, as Washington and Beijing seek to manage differences and identify areas of cooperation.