Chinese President Xi Jinping Arrives for Historic State Visit to Washington

Xi Arrives for First Visit in Over a Decade

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in the United States on Wednesday evening for his first state visit in 11 years, opening high-stakes talks with President Trump at a pivotal moment for both men. Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived at Andrews Air Force Base on September 23.

Visit Schedule and Protocol

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Peng Liyuan to the White House on Thursday, September 24, 2026, for an official state visit. On Thursday morning, September 24, the President and First Lady will host a State Arrival Ceremony honoring His Excellency, Xi Jinping, with the ceremony featuring 479 military personnel, representing all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Mrs. Trump and Madame Peng Liyuan will visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art to explore works spanning centuries of artistic achievement and Sino-American cultural exchange. On Thursday evening, the President and First Lady will greet His Excellency Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan upon their arrival to the North Portico of the White House for a State Dinner in the East Room.

Context and Significance

This is the second time the leaders are meeting this year after the Beijing summit in May, when they agreed to build a more stable bilateral relationship. Both leaders are trying to shore up power at home—for Trump, the visit comes just over a month before the midterm elections, and for Xi, preparations for an all-important Party Congress start when he returns to Beijing. On September 20, 2026, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York City, where they agreed to set up an AI dialogue.

Diplomatic Milestone

This visit comes more than a decade since President Xi and Madame Peng's last visit to the White House, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries. The visit underscores efforts by both nations to stabilize their relationship amid ongoing global tensions and economic challenges.