Trump described the ceremony at the Great Hall of the People as one of the greatest honors he had ever experienced.
President Donald Trump received a lavish welcome from Chinese officials as he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a major bilateral meeting expected to focus on several sensitive issues between the two countries.
After arriving Thursday morning local time in his armored motorcade, Trump met Xi outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where large crowds of military members, dignitaries, musicians and children gathered for the formal ceremony.
Following a handshake between the two leaders, Trump and Xi introduced members of their delegations before posing together beneath a ceremonial red-and-yellow canopy while the American and Chinese national anthems played in the background.
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That was an honor unlike almost anything I’ve seen before,” Trump said after entering the Great Hall. “I was especially impressed by the children. They looked happy, they were wonderful, and they represented something very special. The military presentation was incredible as well, but the children really stood out to me.
The ceremony officially launched Trump’s high-profile visit to China, with the elaborate public display expected to be followed by a series of important meetings centered on trade negotiations, security concerns and efforts to improve relations between Washington and Beijing.
The discussions are expected to test whether the positive diplomatic atmosphere can produce meaningful progress on the major disagreements that continue to shape the U.S.-China relationship.
During the welcoming event, Trump appeared to admire the ceremony as children waved flags and carried flowers throughout the presentation.
The event also featured marching Chinese soldiers and performances from military music bands.
