US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a high-profile summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first state visit by a sitting American president to China since Trump's previous visit in 2017.
Trump landed in the Chinese capital aboard Air Force One and was formally received by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng along with senior Chinese and American officials. Videos of the arrival quickly went viral online, showing an elaborate ceremonial welcome that included a brass band, flag-wavers and a carefully choreographed reception on the tarmac.
The US President was accompanied by a high-profile delegation that included Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, highlighting the economic and technology-focused agenda attached to the visit.
? NOW: President Trump is WHEELS DOWN in Beijing after over 16 HOURS of travel time
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 13, 2026
It is currently 7:53pm local time.
Keep praying for 47's safety in China! ?? pic.twitter.com/s3CAsB3SaL
Senior officials present during Trump's arrival included US Ambassador to China David Perdue, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng and China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.
Wheels down in Beijing!
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 13, 2026
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
Social media speculation over Xi's absence at airport
While Trump received a grand welcome in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping was not present at the airport, leading to speculation on social media, where some users described it as a diplomatic snub.
However, diplomatic experts noted that such arrangements are part of standard international protocol, with visiting heads of state typically welcomed by vice presidents, premiers, foreign ministers or senior protocol officials rather than the country's top leader.
China has followed similar practices during previous visits by world leaders as well.
Beijing: US President Donald Trump lands in China for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was received by China’s vice president, Han Zheng.
— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2026
(Pics Source: US Network Pool via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/BaOa5vN8wT
Key issues likely to dominate Trump-Xi talks
According to reports, Trump and Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold multiple bilateral meetings during the three-day visit, with the summit expected to focus on several major geopolitical and economic flashpoints.
The discussions are likely to include:
- Trade tariffs and economic cooperation
- Taiwan tensions
- Artificial Intelligence regulation
- Fentanyl trafficking
- The ongoing Iran conflict
- Global supply chain concerns
The visit comes at a time of continued strategic rivalry between the world's two largest economies, with Washington and Beijing locked in disputes over trade, technology and regional security issues.
Despite tensions, both nations remain deeply interconnected economically, making the summit crucial for global markets and international diplomacy.
Major business leaders part of US delegation
Reports said representatives associated with major American corporations, including Apple, NVIDIA, Boeing and BlackRock, are also part of the delegation.
Their presence signals Washington's attempt to secure commercial agreements and ease tensions affecting trade, technology and investment flows between the two countries.
Trump's schedule in China
On Thursday, Trump is scheduled to attend an official welcome ceremony and hold formal bilateral talks with Xi Jinping. He is also expected to tour Beijing's historic Temple of Heaven before attending a state banquet hosted by the Chinese leadership.
The US President is expected to conclude the visit on Friday after a working lunch and tea meeting with Xi Jinping.
The summit is being closely watched globally as both countries attempt to manage competition while maintaining economic cooperation amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
