High-Level Welcome on Tarmac
US President Donald Trump was greeted by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng upon his arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday evening. The reception featured a military brass band and 300 youths waving flags and chanting "welcome" as the president walked the red carpet to his limousine.
21-Gun Salute Welcome
The ceremony commenced with a thunderous 21-gun salute, the highest military honor, echoing across a cleared Tiananmen Square. As Trump emerged from his motorcade, he was met by China's President Xi Jinping for a highly anticipated, televised handshake.
Anthems and Allegiance
The Chinese military band performed the US national anthem, followed by the host's national anthem. Both leaders stood on a red-and-gold dais at the center of Tiananmen Square as the music signaled the start of the high-stakes two-day summit.
Precision on Parade
Trump and Xi inspected a massive, multi-service honor guard from the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The soldiers performed a high-precision parading routine, led by a sword-carrying officer, while Trump and Xi walked side-by-side along the formation.
Welcome Chorus by Children
A crowd of primary school children, dressed in vibrant outfits, performed a choreographed welcome. They jumped and cheered while waving miniature American and Chinese flags, a sight that drew broad smiles and applause from the American president.
Participation of Senior Officials
The ceremony included formal introductions of both nations' delegations. Notable attendees on the US side included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and high-profile business figures such as Elon Musk and Jensen Huang.
Pat on the Hand and Friendly Gestures
Trump and Xi locked into an extended handshake in front of the Great Hall of the People, with Trump repeatedly patting Xi's hand and forearm — a warm, public display of chemistry between two leaders steering the world's most consequential rivalry.
Trump and Xi Enter the Great Hall of the People
The two leaders ascended the grand staircase toward the east gate of the Great Hall of the People. This walk preceded their scheduled bilateral talks, where both delegations addressed critical trade and diplomatic issues throughout the day.
Day 1 Talks Conclude
The high-stakes bilateral talks at the Great Hall of the People concluded after two hours, lasting twice as long as originally scheduled. The session focused on resolving the Iran-driven energy crisis, establishing a joint trade oversight board, and navigating the volatile "red line" of Taiwan's security.
A Visit to the Temple of Heaven
Following the negotiations, Trump and Xi visited the Temple of Heaven, an ancient complex where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. Trump is only the second sitting US president to visit this historic site; the first was Gerald Ford in 1975.
