Trump gives Xi a lavish welcome despite past criticism

An unusual White House welcome

President Donald Trump greeted Chinese leader Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, meeting him on the tarmac rather than waiting for the formal White House arrival. It was the first time Trump had extended that courtesy to a visiting foreign leader.

Trump and Xi walked along a 100-foot red carpet after Xi’s plane landed. A second red carpet awaited Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, when they arrived at the White House on Thursday for the summit’s first full day.

The visit also included a state dinner, where Trump presented Xi with a bald eagle statue. The menu featured sesame-crusted sea bass, braised bok choy, vanilla crémeux and honey ice cream.

Personal ties alongside criticism

Trump said he and Xi had built a friendship based on mutual respect and their countries’ interests. Xi likewise said the two leaders had developed a personal connection and remained in contact.

The cordial reception came two months after Trump used a primetime address to accuse China of interfering in the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden. Trump has also accused China of exploiting the United States through trade and hacking American elections.

Xi announced that China would send two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shang, to the Atlanta zoo.

A Republican senator objects

Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the scale of the welcome in a Senate floor speech Wednesday. Wicker said he would have advised Trump against inviting Xi to Washington for such a lavish reception because of concerns involving Xi and the Chinese Communist Party.