China Holds Lavish Welcome for President Trump in Beijing

China organized an elaborate welcome for President Trump upon his arrival in Beijing for a state visit, including extravagant ceremonies, a state banquet and rare access to the compound where Chinese leaders live and work. The events took place even as the two countries remain at odds on multiple issues.

Visits by U.S. presidents are treated as major, high-stakes events by Chinese officials. The lavish welcome began on Wednesday as soon as President Trump arrived in Beijing and descended from Air Force One. Top Chinese officials accompanied him on a red carpet to his limousine.

One of the highest-ranking officials to welcome an American president in China took part in the reception. The group walked past a military honor guard and rows of smartly dressed youths waving American and Chinese flags. Chinese officials described the visit in positive terms to Trump.

He was not disappointed with the arrangements, according to reports.

China does not always put on the same level of ceremony for every visiting world leader. The pomp and pageantry extended to a state banquet and other formal events. No major breakthrough in relations was reported from the visit. The reception stood out for its scale and the rarefied access granted during the stay.

Officials arranged the full array of formal diplomatic honors. The events concluded without any announced policy agreements between the two sides.