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Trump gives Xi rare welcome as Chinese president begins US state visit
Published : Wednesday, 23 September, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Observer Online Report
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, with President Donald Trump greeting him at Joint Base Andrews in an unusually high-profile welcome.
Trump joined the arrival ceremony at the military base outside Washington with Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, instead of receiving the Chinese leader at the White House.
Xi’s visit marks his first US state visit in more than a decade and comes as Washington and Beijing remain at odds over trade, artificial intelligence, the US war with Iran and China’s policy toward Taiwan.
Trump has frequently praised Xi, calling him a “great leader”, and said he wants to preserve “strategic stability” in relations with Beijing.
The decision to give Xi a planeside welcome has faced criticism from some US lawmakers. Republican Sen Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, described it as a “lavish welcome” and called on Trump to address China’s military expansion and its support for Iran.
Trump has also highlighted efforts to make the visit special, including preparations for a new helicopter landing pad at the White House.
The official ceremonies will continue Thursday, when Xi is scheduled to receive a formal welcome at the White House, including a military honour guard review. A black-tie state dinner will follow, with business and technology figures such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expected to attend.
Trump and Xi are also expected to hold private talks on trade, technology and other disputed issues. However, major agreements are not expected from the meetings.
On Friday, Xi and Peng are scheduled to have tea privately with Trump and first lady Melania Trump before visiting the National Archives to view historical documents related to US-China ties.
- MaT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
