President Trump arrives in Beijing for high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping

President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing Wednesday evening to full state-pageantry treatment as China rolled out the red carpet ahead of a pivotal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The president touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport after vowing to pressure China to “open up” to American business during talks expected to focus on trade, technology, military tensions, and economic competition between the world’s two largest powers.

Waiting on the tarmac was an elaborate welcoming committee that underscored the significance Beijing is placing on the visit.

Trump was greeted by U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, China’s ambassador to Washington Xie Feng, and Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.

A military band and honor guard stood at attention as roughly 300 youths waved American and Chinese flags while singing in coordinated fashion as Air Force One taxied in.

Trump appeared energized by the spectacle, smiling and waving as he descended the stairs from Air Force One beneath bright lights and synchronized ceremony.

The president’s traveling entourage reflected the massive economic and geopolitical stakes surrounding the trip.

Following Trump off the plane were his son Eric Trump; daughter-in-law Lara Trump; Elon Musk; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; and Jensen Huang, whose company remains at the center of the global semiconductor and AI battle between Washington and Beijing.

Watch the clip below:

Wheels down in Beijing!

President Donald J. Trump lands for a landmark summit with China, greeted by Vice President Han Zheng during a welcome ceremony. pic.twitter.com/4q2mATZrn4

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 13, 2026