The last time Trump set foot on Chinese soil was during his first term; Since then, no White House chief has been to China
The President of the United States, (Republican Party), arrived this Wednesday (May 13, 2026) in Beijing. It is the first time that a North American president has visited China in 9 years. The last American president to set foot on Chinese soil was Trump in 2017 during his first term.
Trump arrived aboard the presidential plane Air Force One at Beijing International Airport. Upon disembarking, he was received by the Chinese vice-president, Han Zheng, and a military band. Chinese military personnel also formed a corridor for Trump while girls waved US and Chinese flags. The reception is part of the traditional protocol adopted by China for foreign heads of state.
On Thursday (May 14), Trump will meet with the president of China, Xi Jinping (Communist Party of China). It will be the 2nd face-to-face meeting between the leaders since the beginning of Trump’s 2nd term. The last time was in October last year, in South Korea.
At the time, Trump and Xi signed a truce in the trade war that had been raging between the countries for much of last year. The expectation for this new meeting is an extension of this agreement, in addition to conversations about geopolitical issues such as Taiwan and the war in Iran.
Trump also aims to sign agreements with China to benefit US companies in accessing rare earths and restoring oil exports to China.
