Story perspectives

B-2 and F-22 flyover marks Trump-Xi state arrival ceremony

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 11:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan at Andrews on September 23.
State Arrival Ceremony on September 24 included 479 service members, a full honor cordon, flag display, and Marine Band anthem.
A B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptors flew over as the ceremony ended.
First Lady Melania Trump led a visit to the Smithsonian Asian Art museum before hosting a state dinner.

History

Historical Context

In February 1972 President Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit the People’s Republic of China, ending 23 years of ties and exploiting the Sino-Soviet split. His 500-person delegation attended banquets with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. In September 2023 President Donald Trump welcomed Xi Jinping at Andrews Air Force Base with a 479-service-member honor cordon and fighter-jet flyovers, showing how visits signal U.S.–China strategy.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan at Andrews on September 23.
State Arrival Ceremony on September 24 included 479 service members, a full honor cordon, flag display, and Marine Band anthem.
A B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptors flew over as the ceremony ended.
First Lady Melania Trump led a visit to the Smithsonian Asian Art museum before hosting a state dinner.

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