Marking the beginning of Donald Trump’s historic and highly symbolic visit to China, culminating in a face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the US presidential aircraft Air Force One landed just before 3 p.m. (Greek time) in Beijing. The American president will meet his Chinese counterpart at a critical juncture against the backdrop of the recent trade war between the US and China, as well as the American military operation “Epic Fury” against Iran, which maintains a close alliance with Beijing.
“This is a visit with tremendous symbolic significance. But of course the president never makes trips for symbolic reasons alone. The American people can expect that the president will close good deals,” said Anna Kelly, deputy spokesperson for the American presidency, while emphasizing that his goal is to “rebalance the relationship with China and prioritize reciprocity and fairness, so that American economic independence can be restored.”
Trump & Xi meeting: The impressive welcome ceremony
“I will ask President Xi, an unparalleled leader, to open China so that brilliant people can work their magic and elevate the People’s Republic to an even higher level,” Trump said for his part, apparently referring to the US business leaders accompanying him on his trip, such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook.
An honorary welcome ceremony and bilateral meeting with the host, President Xi Jinping, is expected to take place Thursday morning (May 14, 2026) (local time), followed by a tour of the Temple of Heaven complex in the afternoon and a dinner to be hosted for him in the evening.
The Chinese president and his wife are expected in turn to visit Washington later in 2026.
.@POTUS proceeds down the red carpet in Beijing — briefly giving his signature fist pump to the assembled Military Honor Guard and Chinese youth flag wavers pic.twitter.com/aDBQdDjsx8
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 13, 2026
.@POTUS proceeds down the red carpet in Beijing — briefly giving his signature fist pump to the assembled Military Honor Guard and Chinese youth flag wavers pic.twitter.com/aDBQdDjsx8
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 13, 2026
