Key facts
- Xi Jinping received a red carpet welcome upon arrival in San Francisco.
- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a less formal reception.
- The differing receptions have fueled debate over diplomatic protocols.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was greeted with a red carpet and full honors upon his arrival in San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This elaborate reception stood in contrast to the more subdued welcome afforded to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who arrived earlier. The differing diplomatic treatments have ignited discussions regarding evolving international relations and the significance of such gestures in high-level diplomacy.