Xi Jinping arrives in US for state visit, receives rare airport welcome from Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2026, for a three-day state visit to the United States at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, receiving a rare planeside welcome at Joint Base Andrews. Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, with a ceremony that included a gun salute and national anthems. In a written speech, Xi stated that China and the US should be partners, not rivals, and that both nations' goals can complement each other. Xi emphasized that the historical logic of peaceful coexistence between the two countries remains unchanged and expressed confidence in finding a proper way to interact in the new era. He also said he looks forward to in-depth discussions on bilateral and global issues during the visit.