Xi gets first presidential welcome at Joint Base Andrews in 64 years

Chinese President Xi Jinping received an unusual welcome at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, marking the first time in 64 years a US president has received a foreign leader there. The event broke with protocol and was described as "unusual" by The Washington Post. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Xi as he arrived around midnight Norwegian time. The last such reception was when John F. Kennedy welcomed British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in 1962. Trump visibly flinched when a B-1 Lancer bomber flew overhead during the national anthem. Expectations for the visit are low, with Politico noting the visit's purpose is the visit itself. Xi arrived without a large business delegation, and the two leaders are scheduled to discuss trade, AI, investments, Iran, and Taiwan at the White House Thursday. Shortly after landing, Xi stated the two countries "should be partners instead of rivals," and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an extension of the "Busan agreement" economic ceasefire until January 10.