Trump and Xi Jinping Meet in Beijing, Beginning with a Handshake
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed US President Donald Trump with a handshake as the two met in Beijing on Thursday (14 May) morning local time. The meeting between the two leaders is expected to discuss complex issues, including Iran, Taiwan, and trade matters.
The meeting, as reported by AFP on Thursday (14 May 2026), was held in the grand Great Hall of the People precisely after 10:00 a.m. local time, with Xi greeting Trump atop a stretch of red carpet. Xi’s lavish welcome for Trump appeared to mask the profound tensions between the two countries.
After the two shook hands, Xi, accompanied by Trump, shook hands with several US officials, including US Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been known throughout his career as a staunch opponent of Beijing.
Trump and Xi then stood in the centre as a Chinese military band played the US national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by the Chinese national anthem accompanied by cannon salutes.
The presence of schoolchildren jumping joyfully in bright-coloured clothing, waving US and Chinese flags while shouting “Welcome, welcome,” further enlivened the welcoming ceremony for Trump. Together with Xi, Trump walked past them in the square where the ceremony took place.
The two leaders will enjoy a state dinner at the Great Hall of the People in the evening. Trump will also visit the historic Temple of Heaven, a World Heritage site where ancient Chinese emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests.
Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday (13 May) evening, accompanied by a delegation of leading CEOs, including Elon Musk of Tesla and Jensen Huang of Nvidia. He will conduct a two-day visit to Beijing – which is the first visit by a US President to China in nearly a decade.
Trump last visited Beijing in 2017, during his first term.
In this visit, Trump has several key priorities, including business deals in agriculture, aircraft, and other sectors. Previously, Trump promised to urge Xi to “open” China to US companies.
Trump also expects a “long talk” with Xi about Iran, although he emphasised that the US “does not need any assistance from China regarding Iran.”