Trump welcomes Xi in protocol break as US extends trade truce
Donald Trump broke with diplomatic protocol by personally welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping at Andrews Air Force Base on Wednesday, coinciding with Washington's announcement of an extended trade truce with Beijing. The U.S. and China agreed to prolong their economic truce until January 10, as confirmed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, extending the pause on tariff escalation that began in October 2025. The three-day state visit includes a White House meeting Thursday, with Xi's first such visit in over a decade. The lavish welcome drew criticism from Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who called Xi a "brutal dictator." Experts expect no breakthroughs on AI, rare earths, or sensitive issues like Taiwan and Iran. Trump, facing political difficulties, seeks to showcase his affinity with Xi, while tech leaders including Elon Musk will attend a gala dinner.