Xi Jinping Gets Rare Red-Carpet Welcome in US

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the United States on Wednesday for a three-day state visit and received an unusually high-profile welcome at Joint Base Andrews near Washington. US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump personally greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, as they stepped off the aircraft. The ceremony featured a 100-foot red carpet, a 21-member honour guard, military music and ceremonial honours.

The welcome also included a flyover by two US Air Force B-1 bombers as the US and Chinese national anthems were played. Xi's visit is his first state visit to Washington in more than a decade, with Trump and Xi scheduled to discuss several major bilateral and global issues. The airport welcome was notable because US presidents traditionally receive visiting state leaders at the White House rather than personally greeting them at the airport.