Xi arrives in US for state visit with rare Trump airport welcome

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the United States on Wednesday for a state visit, receiving a rare personal airport welcome from President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. The three-day visit aims to ease tensions between the world's two largest economies on issues including artificial intelligence, trade, and Iran. Trump and First Lady Melania greeted Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on the tarmac, accompanied by a military band, a B-1 bomber flyover, and a display of F-22 and F-16 fighter jets. The visit includes a state banquet at the White House, with expectations low for major breakthroughs, as analysts say the focus is on maintaining a fragile diplomatic and trade truce. Xi's delegation includes senior officials but no Chinese CEOs, while top US tech leaders are expected at the banquet. The leaders' talks are expected to address AI risks, trade disputes, and the possible release of Americans detained in China. Trump faces domestic pressure over falling approval ratings tied to the Iran war, while Xi appears in a stronger position. The visit has drawn criticism from some Republicans, though Trump downplayed allegations of Chinese support for Iran.