Key facts
- Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday.
- Trump rolled out a red carpet for Xi's arrival.
- Many US journalists were banned from the White House grounds during the visit.
- Chinese state media was welcomed onto the White House grounds.
- Trump touted his "truly great friendship" with Xi.
- Xi announced that 100,000 young American students would be invited to study in China over the next five years.
Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday, a visit marked by a red carpet, limited access for many US journalists, and Trump's effusive praise for the Chinese leader. The event contrasted sharply with traditional diplomatic protocols, with Trump opting to greet Xi at the airport and roll out a red carpet, a gesture rarely extended to foreign leaders.
Trump's administration banned several US news outlets, including CNN, MS Now, and Politico, from White House grounds while allowing Chinese state media access. Michael McFaul, a former US diplomat, criticized this move as "wrong and embarrassing," highlighting China's low ranking in press freedom.
During their statements, Trump touted his "truly great friendship" with Xi and claimed progress on trade. He also referred to artificial intelligence as "super intelligence." Xi, speaking more substantially, expressed a desire for healthy competition and announced plans to invite 100,000 young American students to study in China over the next five years, and that China would send two giant pandas to a zoo in Atlanta.
The visit included a military ceremony with a flyover and a marching band. Later, Trump showed Xi Marine One and his helipad, remarking on Xi's interest in granite. By the afternoon, some banned reporters were allowed back onto the White House campus after a judge ruled Trump's action unconstitutional.