Trump Surprised as Xi Jinping Shows Him Centuries-Old Trees

As reported by Reuters on Friday, May 15, 2026, Xi showcased the centuries-old trees in the walled Zhongnanhai complex in Beijing. This garden was formerly an imperial garden and is now the headquarters of the Communist Party of China. The complex is adjacent to the capital’s famous landmark, the Forbidden City, and near Tiananmen Square.

A microphone captured a conversation between the two leaders. Trump expressed his surprise that some of the trees were 1,000 years old.

“Let me tell you, all the trees on this side are over 200 to 300 years old,” Xi said through a translator, pointing to some of the towering trees.

“Over there, there are some that are over 400 years old.”

“They’ve lived that long?” Trump asked.

Xi added that there were trees that were 1,000 years old elsewhere.

“There are also 1,000-year-old trees elsewhere.”

Trump asked Xi if other foreign leaders had also been received at the complex.

“Very rare,” Xi replied. “Originally, we didn’t usually hold diplomatic events here. Even after we started holding some, it was still very rare. For example, Putin has been here.” (rdp/dhn)