According to a report by Al Jazeera on May 13, 2026, a red carpet welcome was arranged for US President Donald Trump after Air Force One arrived in China, reflecting the formal diplomatic tone of the visit. The reception involved a coordinated protocol with senior officials from both countries in attendance.
The White House stated that Chinese Vice President Han Zheng was present to greet the US leader, alongside China’s ambassador to Washington Xie Feng, executive vice minister of foreign affairs Ma Zhaoxu, and US envoy to Beijing David Perdue. Their presence underscored the high-level nature of the engagement between the two governments.
As part of the ceremony, about 300 Chinese youths took part in the welcoming display, joined by a military honour guard and a military band. The elaborate reception highlighted the importance Beijing placed on the visit. After the event, the US president departed the area in a black limousine.
Speaking to reporters as he left, Trump described the global balance of power in straightforward terms. “We’re the two superpowers,” Trump told reporters as he departed. “We’re the strongest nation on Earth in terms of military. China’s considered second.”
His comments reflected the ongoing strategic competition between Washington and Beijing, even as both sides continue to maintain diplomatic contact. The ceremony itself combined pageantry with political signalling, showing both cooperation and underlying rivalry….Read_More…