Trump Rolls Out Red Carpet for Xi's First State Visit in 11 Years

President Donald Trump is preparing the highest level of diplomatic protocol for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the White House, the first in 11 years, including an airport welcome, strategic bomber flyovers, and a state dinner. First Lady Melania Trump will also participate in multiple events. The visit begins September 23rd with Trump personally greeting Xi at Joint Base Andrews, a rare gesture. On September 24th, a formal ceremony at the White House will feature 479 troops, a military parade, and a flyover by a B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptor fighters. Talks will cover trade, rare earths, and artificial intelligence, followed by a state dinner with major tech CEOs. On the final day, the couples will visit the National Archives to view the Charters of Freedom. This marks Xi's first state visit since 2015 and his first US trip since November 2023, which China's foreign ministry called a "historic milestone" following their May meeting in Beijing.