Trump Hosts Xi at White House for State Arrival Ceremony
The Sept. 24 ceremony included 479 U.S. military personnel, national anthems, military demonstrations and a flyover by one B-2 Spirit and four F-22 Raptors.
Donald Trump welcomed Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a formal ceremony marking the start of the Chinese leader’s three-day U.S. visit.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed Xi and Peng Liyuan for the Sept. 24 event. The ceremony included 479 U.S. military personnel representing all branches of the armed forces, national anthems, military demonstrations and a flyover by one B-2 Spirit and four F-22 Raptors.
Trump greeted Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday after his arrival in the United States. Xi’s state visit runs through Friday, with a White House dinner scheduled for Thursday evening in the East Room.
“China and the United States should be partners, not rivals,” Xi said in a written speech upon arriving in the United States. He also called for the two countries to work in the same direction while maintaining strategic stability.
The visit follows Trump’s May trip to China, when the two leaders agreed to pursue a constructive relationship. Xi last visited the White House in September 2015.
