Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a crucial summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at easing mounting tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport aboard Air Force One, marking the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nearly a decade.
The US president was seen giving a fist pump as he descended from the aircraft before being welcomed with flowers and a formal reception ceremony.
Chinese organisers lined the red carpet with hundreds of youths dressed in white uniforms, waving Chinese and American flags while chanting “welcome” in unison.
Among members of the US delegation were Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, reflecting the strong business and technology focus surrounding the visit.
Trump is expected to push for expanded trade and investment opportunities between the United States and China during the summit.
While travelling to Beijing, the US president wrote on social media that he would urge Xi to “open up” China further to American innovation and business interests.
Huang’s presence on the trip drew attention amid ongoing restrictions that prevent China from purchasing some of Nvidia’s most advanced artificial intelligence chips under US national security regulations.
The summit comes against the backdrop of several major geopolitical disputes, including trade tensions, the status of Taiwan, and the escalating crisis involving Iran in the Middle East.
Trump had previously postponed the China visit, initially expected in March, due to the regional conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Analysts say the Beijing meeting could shape the future direction of US-China relations at a time of growing global economic and security uncertainty.
