Trump gets grand welcome in Beijing as students wave US flags

Politics May 14, 2026

BY TANIYA SINGH

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping greet children during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump kicked off his much-anticipated Beijing summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid global attention on Iran, trade, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence. From a red-carpet airport welcome led by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to a formal ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, the visit blended diplomacy, spectacle, and symbolism. The summit also drew attention for the presence of top American business leaders, including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, and Tim Cook, while hundreds of Chinese students waving US and Chinese flags welcomed Trump upon arrival.

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IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Trump and Xi meet at Great Hall

Trump and Xi Jinping shook hands and attended an elaborate welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The leaders began talks aimed at easing tensions while discussing AI, security, and economic cooperation.

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IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Security and ceremony dominate Beijing visuals

Military honor guards, flag-lined streets, and heavy security surrounded Trump’s Beijing visit. Photos captured “The Beast” motorcade, police patrols, and ceremonial displays across the Chinese capital.

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IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Musk, Rubio, and business leaders join delegation

Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, and Tim Cook were spotted among the US delegation in Beijing. The presence of major tech and business figures underscored the summit’s strong trade and technology focus.

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IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Trump arrives in Beijing

President Donald Trump landed in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping focused on trade tensions, Iran, and Taiwan.Chinese Vice President Han Zheng personally welcomed Trump at the airport in a rare diplomatic gesture.

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IMAGE SOURCE: X @WHITEHOUSE

Students wave flags for Trump

Hundreds of Chinese youth dressed in coordinated blue-and-white outfits greeted Trump with American and Chinese flags. The choreographed welcome ceremony highlighted Beijing’s effort to showcase warmth and diplomatic significance.

Trump gets grand welcome in Beijing as students wave US flags

Trump and Xi meet at Great Hall

Security and ceremony dominate Beijing visuals

Musk, Rubio, and business leaders join delegation

Trump arrives in Beijing

Students wave flags for Trump

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