US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Xi’s state visit to the US
The Chinese president received something few recalled in living memory — a planeside red carpet welcome that saw Trump himself waiting at the foot of the stairway, a presidential gesture so rare that historians recalled Prez Kennedy welcoming British PM Harold Macmillan at an airport in 1962 as the last comparable instance. All this is remarkable coming from a man who roasted Barack Obama in 2012 for giving then Xi a ceremonial welcome.
“ Trump said later on his social media platform, laying it on thick. “So wrong! @BarackObama is hosting China’s VP Xi Jinping today at the Pentagon with a full honor ceremony with music and cannons…” Trump had tweeted. For a fleeting moment, the changing balance of the US-China relationship was captured not in a joint communique, but in a visual metaphor. As American bombers roared overhead in a flypast intended to wow the visitor, it was Trump who winced, while Xi watched impassively — an unintended piece of geopolitical choreography more eloquent than any statement. Beyond those few revealing seconds, there were other cues that pointed to the new phase of the relationship that indicated China is seen as a peer, even as some pundits believe it is starting to eclipse America. Madam Xi, of course, BEAUTIFUL!
TOI correspondent from Washington: If diplomacy is the art of keeping a straight face, China’s leader Xi Jinping won hands down during the opening act on Thursday at Andrews Air Force Base where US President Donald Trump received him on a state visit. “I met President Xi at the plane (Airport!) yesterday and he looks strong, vibrant, and fit – Better than ever.
For murdering 1.2 million Americans. It also announced that the two sides have agreed to extend their trade truce till January, removing at least one immediate irritant before the summit, despite Trump having signed a bill that will empower him to impose100 percent tariff on countries — notably China and India — buying Russian energy.
It literally measured it, ironed it and, according to one wag, made sure Xi’s shoes would not gather any dust. For helping Iran kill American service members,” raged Laura Loomer, a Trump whisperer who has the President’s ear, fuming that “the hospitality is way more than Xi deserves. “The relationship between the United States and China will define the 21st century,” Rubio said, echoing words that the US till recently had used for its ties with India, which is probably watching the scenario with consternation.
And Washington did not merely roll out the red carpet. Not everyone from the Trump universe is in tune with the over-the-top welcome. “China should be held accountable for disrespecting President Trump and our country. For stealing an election. But a more sobering perspective came from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who asserted that it would be irresponsible not to engage Beijing at the highest level despite differences.