Trump Welcomes Xi to White House with Charm Offensive

President Trump employed a cordial approach Thursday while hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House for a state visit. The leaders engaged in a three-hour meeting before an evening state dinner attended by prominent figures in the tech industry.

The visit commenced with opening remarks in the Grand Foyer, followed by a military review and a color guard ceremony in the Rose Garden, highlighted by a flyover of fighter jets and a B-2 stealth bomber. Trump displayed a photograph of himself and Xi in the West Wing, remarking on their mutual respect and a friendship built since 2016.

Trump also showcased renovations at the White House, including a new granite helipad, and invited Xi aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Trump commented to reporters that Xi was knowledgeable about granite.

Discussions were expected to cover contentious issues such as trade imbalances, fentanyl shipments, and China's support for Iran and Russia. Xi, in his remarks, expressed interest in increasing access for Chinese-made cars in the U.S. and sought partnership in developing artificial intelligence. He also announced China's loan of two pandas to a zoo in Atlanta.

Despite the public cordiality, protesters from various Chinese minority groups demonstrated outside the White House, some dressed as Winnie the Pooh, a character subject to censorship in China due to satirical comparisons with Xi.

Reporters were not permitted inside the Oval Office for a press conference, a departure from typical foreign leader visits. While Xi declined to answer questions from journalists, including those about fentanyl and transparency regarding COVID-19 origins, and issues concerning Taiwan and imprisoned publisher Jimmy Lai, Trump stated their friendship was built on mutual respect and the vital interests of their people. He noted their meetings had occurred globally since his 2016 election, but this was their first at the White House.

First Lady Melania Trump hosted her counterpart, Peng Liyuan, at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, where students from the Hope Chinese School performed songs. Peng, a former singer, appeared engaged with the performance.