Trump receives Xi Jinping at airportChinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, receiving a rare airport welcome from US President Donald Trump as the two leaders prepare for talks on trade, technology, artificial intelligence, military ties, Iran, Taiwan, the Russia-Ukraine war and other geopolitical issues. Xi and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were waiting to receive them.

The visit marks Xi's first trip to Washington since 2015 and the second summit meeting between Xi and Trump in less than six months. The high-profile visit combines elaborate ceremonial events with closed-door discussions on issues that have kept Washington and Beijing at odds.

The programme includes a White House arrival ceremony, troop review, a black-tie state dinner and a visit to the National Archives. Rare airport welcome for XiTrump personally travelled to Joint Base Andrews to receive Xi, rather than waiting for the Chinese president to arrive at the White House.

39 pm local time on Wednesday. 01 pm local time.

The welcome featured a 21-person honour cordon, a 100-foot red carpet, the US Air Force Band and ceremonial cannon fire. Two US Air Force B-1 bombers also flew over the airbase as the national anthems of the United States and China were played.

After a brief welcome exchange, Xi and Peng walked down the red carpet before leaving the airbase in a motorcade. Trump and Melania returned to the White House aboard Marine One.

According to the material provided, it was the first time since 1962 that a US president had welcomed a foreign leader at an airport. Then-president John F Kennedy had welcomed British prime minister Harold Macmillan at the airport that year.

Why Trump is giving Xi such a high-profile welcomeThe elaborate reception is intended to reciprocate the ceremonial grandeur surrounding Trump's visit to China in May. Xi was not at the airport when Trump arrived in Beijing.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng received Trump instead. However, Air Force One was welcomed with a red carpet, military honour guard, military band and about 300 Chinese youths carrying Chinese and American flags and chanting, “Welcome, welcome!

Warm welcome!” Trump has also made clear that he wants to give Xi an elaborate reception in Washington.