Beijing: US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a crucial two-day visit to China, where he is expected to hold high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade, global security and geopolitical tensions. However, Xi’s absence at the airport reception drew immediate international attention.
According to Chinese state media, Trump was received at Beijing airport by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng along with senior Chinese and American officials. A ceremonial welcome featuring a military band and hundreds of young performers was organised for the visiting US delegation.
This marks Trump’s second visit to China after his 2017 trip during his first presidential term. However, unlike some of his recent foreign visits where heads of state personally welcomed him, Xi Jinping did not arrive at the airport to receive the American President.
Despite the protocol discussion, both sides are treating the visit as highly significant. Trump and Xi are expected to discuss key issues including Taiwan, trade relations, artificial intelligence, the Iran conflict and economic cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
Several top American business leaders, including executives from major technology and manufacturing companies, are accompanying Trump during the visit, highlighting the strong economic focus of the summit.
Political analysts believe the optics surrounding the reception also reflect China’s carefully calibrated diplomatic messaging. Interestingly, in 2009, Xi Jinping — then serving as China’s vice president — had personally welcomed former US President Barack Obama during his visit to Beijing.
The Trump-Xi meeting is being closely watched globally as tensions over trade, Taiwan and the Middle East continue to reshape international diplomacy.