Donald Trump greeted with ceremonial honours before key talks with Xi Jinping

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to a lavish ceremonial reception ahead of his much-anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump was welcomed at Beijing Capital International Airport with full state honours, including a red-carpet reception, military guards, a ceremonial band and hundreds of young performers waving American and Chinese flags.

Senior officials from both countries were present to receive the US President, including China’s Vice President Han Zheng, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and US Ambassador to China David Perdue.

Trump appeared in high spirits during the arrival ceremony and briefly flashed his trademark fist pump while walking down the red carpet past the honour guard.

Several high-profile members of the US delegation accompanied him on the visit, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, businessman Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, along with members of the Trump family.

The visit comes at a crucial time in US-China relations, with both sides expected to hold detailed discussions on trade, technology restrictions, Taiwan and broader geopolitical tensions.

Trump is scheduled to meet Xi at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, followed by formal bilateral talks and a state banquet hosted by the Chinese leadership. The two leaders are also expected to hold another round of discussions on Friday before Trump returns to Washington.

Trade disputes between the two economic superpowers are expected to dominate the summit, particularly disagreements over tariffs, supply chains and China’s rare earth export policies. The leaders are also likely to discuss regional security concerns, including Taiwan and the escalating tensions surrounding Iran.

Ahead of the trip, Trump had suggested that Xi may visit the United States later this year, hinting at possible diplomatic efforts to ease friction between the two countries despite continuing strategic rivalry.