US President Donald Trump confirmed today, Thursday, during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, that the United States is "proud" of its relationship with China, praising the bond he shares with the Chinese leader and affirming that both countries have a good trade relationship despite their competition.
This took place during the official reception ceremony for Xi at the White House, which featured a significant military presence with 479 personnel from various branches of the US armed forces, alongside displays of American and Chinese flags, and the playing of the national anthems of both countries, before Trump and Xi delivered speeches to the attendees, according to details published by the White House.
The ceremony included a military display in the White House Rose Garden, featuring the US Army's drum and bugle corps, the silent drill team from the Marine Corps, and a military showcase ending with a flyover of a B-2 Spirit aircraft and four F-22 Raptor fighters.
The White House ceremony follows an exceptional greeting for Xi from Trump at Andrews Air Force Base on Wednesday, where the US President personally went to the military airport to welcome his Chinese counterpart, a rare step for receiving foreign leaders. The ceremony there included a red carpet approximately 30 meters long, a military honor guard, the playing of the national anthems, and a flyover of B-1 Lancer aircraft.
Trump and Xi are scheduled to hold bilateral talks in the Oval Office following the reception ceremony, addressing issues including trade, artificial intelligence, security relations, as well as matters concerning Iran and Taiwan. Washington and Beijing also agreed to extend the trade truce that was set to end in November for an additional two months.
Xi's visit will conclude on Friday with a private tea meeting with Trump and Melania at the White House, before the Chinese President and his wife, Peng Liyuan, head to the National Archives in Washington, then depart from the United States.