Full Breakdown
Trump Welcomes Xi Jinping in Rare Planeside Ceremony Amid Trade Truce Extension
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Planeside Greeting and Extension of the Busan Trade Truce
On September 23, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, where U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met them planeside. The ceremony featured a 21-gun salute, a military band, and a flyover by two B-1 bombers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the Busan Agreement—an 11-month trade truce limiting new tariffs—has been extended to January 10, beyond its original November 10 deadline.
Background & Context
This is the first time a Chinese leader has made a second formal state trip to the United States. President Trump previously met Xi in May 2026 in Beijing, discussing tariffs, rare-mineral trade, and the Strait of Hormuz, and launching a Board of Trade to lower tariffs on non-national-security products.
Timeline
- September 23, 2026 – Planeside greeting and Busan Agreement extension announced.
- November 10 – Original deadline for the Busan Agreement (now extended).
Data & Statistics
- Trade truce: 11-month Busan Agreement, now extended to January 10.
- Ceremonial details: 21-gun salute, military band, two B-1 bomber flyovers, 21-person honor guard, 100-foot red carpet.
- Visit length: three-day state visit, including a White House dinner and a tour of the National Archives.
Official Statements & Responses
- Donald Trump called Xi “a great leader” and said the United States and China “have never gotten along better.”
- Scott Bessent stated:
> “We have agreed today that we will extend what we call the Busan Agreement.”
- Wendy Cutler, former U.S. trade negotiator, warned that the United States remains concerned about China’s full implementation of its commitments, especially regarding critical mineral exports and agricultural purchases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have agreed today that we will extend what we call the Busan Agreement,” — Scott Bessent
- “I think they appreciate it, tremendous people,” — Donald Trump
- “Such extreme deference is valuable evidence that China’s leader is now held in extraordinarily high esteem by the President of the United States.” — Danny Russel
What’s Next
The leaders will discuss artificial-intelligence cooperation, Taiwan-related security concerns, and further trade issues during Thursday’s White House talks, followed by a private tea and a tour of the National Archives on Friday.