Trump plans airport welcome as Xi’s Washington state visit nears
Three-day trip centres on White House talks; Xi reported to skip UNGA address
US officials say President Trump will greet Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews for a high-stakes state visit next week, with summit talks expected to cover trade, tariffs, Iran, Taiwan and AI.
China’s Xi Jinping is due in Washington mid-week for a state visit that includes an arrival ceremony, closed-door talks and a state dinner with Donald and Melania Trump. Senior US officials said Trump will meet Xi at Joint Base Andrews — an unusual airport welcome — before Thursday’s White House programme. Agenda items flagged in briefings and reporting include tariffs and trade purchases, Iran, Taiwan and possible AI risk discussions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was also expected to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng over the weekend on economic issues. Multiple reports say Xi will skip addressing the UN General Assembly in New York on this trip, focusing instead on the bilateral summit. Beijing has said UN participation details would be announced later.