President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have arrived at a lavish welcoming state banquet hosted by China, ready to partake in food diplomacy. The banquet features a red, white, and green design theme, complete with white tablecloths at the Great Hall of the People.
Trump's cabinet members were seen mingling at the dinner, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Senior Advisor Stephen Miller, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Communications Director Steven Cheung.
Earlier, during their two-hour summit, Xi warned Trump that if Taiwan is 'mishandled,' the US and China 'will clash, or even come into conflict, pushing the entire relationship into a very dangerous situation,' according to state media channel CCTV. Trump, seemingly unfazed, praised the pageantry of his welcome, calling it 'an honor like few have ever seen before.' He told Xi: 'It's an honor to be with you, it's an honor to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.'
A White House official said the two sides discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment in US industries. Leaders from many of America’s largest companies joined part of the meeting. The presidents also highlighted the need to end the flow of fentanyl precursors into the US and increase Chinese purchases of American agricultural products.
The White House added that both sides agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for free energy flow. Xi expressed opposition to its militarization and any toll charges, and interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s dependence on the Strait. Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.
Trump walked over to Xi, who was waiting by the steps, and they shook hands warmly. Earlier, Trump had been dazzled by the full red-carpet treatment, including goose-stepping troops, thundering cannons, and flag-waving children. This is Trump's first face-to-face with Xi since the Iran war erupted on February 28.
American business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, were spotted leaving the Great Hall after initial talks. Musk declared 'wonderful' and 'many good things' when asked about achievements. Cook flashed a peace sign and thumbs up, while Huang said meetings went well and both leaders were incredible.
Trump's motorcade arrived at Tiananmen Square at 10:01 a.m. Thursday. He emerged in his signature dark suit and red tie to a military fanfare. Xi and Trump then worked the front row of the US delegation, including Rubio, Hegseth, and Bessent. The two leaders mounted a red and gold dais as the band played the Star-Spangled Banner and troops marched past. Thundering cannon salutes boomed across the square, and a crowd of schoolchildren waved flowers and flags.
The pair entered the Great Hall after 20 minutes of pageantry for a roughly two-hour closed-door bilateral. Trump plans to press Xi to lean on Iran for a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Xi is expected to push for tariff relief and access to American-designed AI chips. The summit was originally slated for March but postponed due to the war.
Trump called on Xi to 'open up' his economy further to US businesses on Wednesday, with 17 American CEOs flown to the White House as economic negotiators. Trump arrived late Wednesday evening in Beijing and was greeted by a military band, 300 students, and Vice President Han Zheng. On Friday, before departing, Trump will participate in a bilateral tea and working lunch.
