Xi Jinping begins first US visit in 11 years

Chinese President Xi Jinping departs Beijing on Wednesday for his first official visit to the United States in 11 years, scheduled from September 23 to 25, amid trade tensions and geopolitical divisions between the two countries. US President Donald Trump is expected to personally greet Xi at the plane's stairs, according to media reports. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun previously stated Xi would discuss key bilateral issues with Trump, as well as global peace and development matters. Xi's first official US visit occurred in September 2015, when he toured Seattle, Washington, and New York for UN anniversary events. Reuters reported Xi may demand Washington halt arms sales to Taiwan, though Chinese officials have not released detailed itinerary or agenda information.