Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday, September 23, for a three-day state visit to the United States, marking his first visit to Washington in more than a decade. US President Donald Trump personally welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland in an unusually high-profile arrival ceremony.Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and Peng Liyuan on the tarmac as a military band played and an honour guard stood along a long red carpet. The welcome was notable because US presidents traditionally receive visiting state leaders at the White House rather than personally meeting them at the airport.Key HighlightsXi Jinping arrived in Washington on September 23 for a three-day state visit.It is Xi’s first Washington visit in more than a decade.Donald Trump personally welcomed Xi and Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews.The arrival featured a military ceremony and aircraft flyover.US and Chinese officials extended the trade truce by two months, until January 10.Trade, artificial intelligence, rare earths, Taiwan and Iran are among the major issues surrounding the summit.Xi and Trump are scheduled to hold talks at the White House on Thursday.Xi Jinping Washington State Visit BeginsXi Jinping arrived at Joint Base Andrews shortly before 6 pm local time on Wednesday. Trump and Melania Trump were present to receive Xi and Peng Liyuan, with the two couples exchanging greetings before the Chinese delegation proceeded with the state visit programme.The arrival included ceremonial elements such as a military band, honour guards and a red-carpet welcome. A B-1 bomber was also reported flying overhead during the arrival, adding to the military spectacle surrounding Xi’s visit.The White House has separately announced that Thursday’s formal State Arrival Ceremony will include military demonstrations and a flyover featuring a B-2 Spirit and four F-22 Raptors.Why Trump’s Welcome Is SignificantTrump’s personal welcome at Joint Base Andrews represents an unusual protocol gesture for a visiting state leader. The White House had announced ahead of the trip that Trump would greet Xi at the military base rather than wait for the formal ceremony at the White House.Xi’s visit comes at a time when Washington and Beijing are attempting to stabilise relations after years of disputes over tariffs, technology, trade restrictions and security issues.The visit is also the first time Xi has travelled to Washington for a state visit in more than a decade. Reuters reported that this is the second meeting between Trump and Xi in 2026.(READ MORE : Trump-Xi Meet 2026: How US-China Talks Could Impact India)US-China Trade Truce Extended Until January 10One of the immediate developments surrounding the visit is an agreement by the United States and China to extend their existing trade truce by two months.The extension moves the deadline from November 10 to January 10, giving both countries additional time for negotiations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the extension as Xi began his Washington visit.The trade arrangement is important because tariffs and restrictions on trade and technology have remained among the most difficult areas in the US-China relationship.The two sides are expected to discuss broader economic issues, including tariffs, rare earth supplies, agricultural purchases and investment.What Will Trump and Xi Discuss?Trade is expected to be one of the central issues when Trump and Xi meet at the White House.Artificial intelligence is another major area of discussion. The US and China are competing over AI development, advanced chips and related technologies, while officials have also explored ways to manage the risks created by increasingly powerful AI systems. A proposal for an AI emergency communication mechanism between the two countries has emerged ahead of the summit.Rare earth minerals are also expected to feature in the discussions because China remains a major supplier of minerals and materials used in several strategic industries. US officials have been seeking more reliable access to these supplies.Taiwan Remains a Major IssueTaiwan is another sensitive issue between Washington and Beijing.China has repeatedly opposed US arms sales to Taiwan and has sought changes in American policy towards the island. Reuters reported ahead of Xi’s visit that Chinese officials were expected to raise the issue of US arms sales during the talks.The United States, meanwhile, continues to maintain its policy of supporting Taiwan’s ability to defend itself under US law.The issue therefore remains one of the major points of disagreement in the broader US-China relationship.Iran and Global Security Also on AgendaThe situation involving Iran is also expected to be discussed during the Trump-Xi meeting. China has maintained diplomatic and economic links with Iran, while Washington has been seeking greater international pressure on Tehran.US officials are therefore expected to raise China’s relationship with Iran alongside wider regional security concerns.What Happens During Xi’s Three-Day Visit?Xi’s three-day state visit includes several ceremonial and diplomatic events.On Thursday, Trump and Melania Trump are scheduled to host Xi and Peng Liyuan at a formal State Arrival Ceremony at the White House. The ceremony will include military performances and the planned aircraft flyover.A State Dinner is also scheduled for Thursday evening.On Friday, Trump and Xi are expected to visit the National Archives after a meeting involving the two couples. The visit will conclude later that day.The Trump-Xi meeting comes as both countries seek to maintain dialogue despite continuing disagreements over trade, technology, Taiwan and international security.What to Watch From the Trump-Xi TalksThe key outcomes to watch include the future of the US-China trade truce, rare earth supplies, technology and AI cooperation, Taiwan-related tensions and China’s role in the Iran conflict.While the visit features extensive ceremonial events, the substantive talks will determine whether Washington and Beijing can make progress on their economic and strategic disagreements.
