US President Donald Trump personally greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews on September 23, 2026, ahead of Xi’s three day state visit to Washington. The airport welcome was an unusual diplomatic gesture for a visiting foreign leader.
The visit focused on US China relations, including trade, rare earth supplies, artificial intelligence, technology and broader geopolitical issues. By September 24, the two countries had also agreed to extend their tariff truce, according to Reuters.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Donald Trump greeted Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews. |
| Where | Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, near Washington, DC. |
| When | September 23, 2026. |
| Who is involved | US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. |
| Key topics | Trade, tariffs, rare earths, artificial intelligence and technology. |
| Current status | Xi's US state visit included White House talks and a state dinner. |
Trump Welcomes Xi at Joint Base Andrews
Trump met Xi at Joint Base Andrews when the Chinese president arrived for his state visit. Reuters described a presidential airport welcome as a rare protocol move.
The arrival included formal military honors. Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, before the Chinese delegation continued to Washington.
The following day, Trump hosted Xi at the White House for formal talks and a state dinner. The two leaders discussed issues including trade, artificial intelligence and the wider US China relationship.
The visit took place from September 23 to September 25, following an invitation from Trump. China’s Foreign Ministry described the trip as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue, manage differences and explore cooperation.
The state dinner included prominent technology executives. Reported guests included Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Tim Cook, Elon Musk, Jensen Huang and Michael Dell.
Trade was a central issue. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the two sides had agreed to extend their tariff truce through January 10.
Rare earth elements were another important subject. These materials are widely used in technology and other industries, making their supply an important part of US China economic relations.
US China Tensions Shape Xi Visit
The 2026 visit came after months of negotiations aimed at managing trade tensions. Preparatory discussions between US and Chinese officials had already covered tariffs, rare earth supplies and AI policy.
US China Trade Talks Continue Next
The relationship between the United States and China affects global trade, technology supply chains and access to critical minerals.
For technology companies, discussions about AI and rare earth materials could have implications for semiconductor production, computing infrastructure and other advanced technologies.
For businesses and consumers, the extension of the tariff truce provides additional time for Washington and Beijing to negotiate trade issues rather than immediately introducing new tariff measures.
Trump Xi Visit Ends With Talks
The extended trade truce gives US and Chinese officials additional time to address unresolved questions involving tariffs, rare earth supplies and other economic issues.
Trump’s decision to greet Xi at Joint Base Andrews marked an unusually high profile start to the Chinese president’s Washington visit. The subsequent White House meetings and state dinner placed trade, AI and critical minerals at the center of US China relations.
