Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted U.S. President Donald Trump with a grand welcome ceremony in Beijing, featuring a military honor guard, gun salute, and the U.S. national anthem. Trump paused twice to greet schoolchildren waving Chinese and American flags, signaling a warm tone for the visit.

Trump lavished praise on Xi, calling him a “great leader” and describing China as “beautiful.” At the evening banquet, he termed the talks a “cherished opportunity.” This marks a stark shift from his 2016 campaign rhetoric, where he accused China of “raping” the U.S., and his later claims that China “ripped off” America.

The visit comes after a trade war that saw tariffs exceeding 100% on both sides. A fragile truce is in place, but uncertainty looms over its durability. Key issues include Iran, where the U.S. hopes China can broker a deal, and Taiwan, which Xi warned could lead to conflict.

Xi’s government orchestrated the spectacle to flatter Trump while showcasing China’s strength. A delegation of 30 CEOs, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Jensen Huang, accompanied Trump, underscoring the business focus. The White House stated that talks covered enhancing economic cooperation and expanding U.S. firms’ access to China.

On Iran, both sides agreed that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. Trump, facing declining approval ratings, seeks a win to take home. Xi proposed that “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” and “Make America great again” can go hand in hand, ending his toast with “Cheers.”

Source: www.bbc.com