Trump Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing; Musk, Cook and Huang Attend State Banquet

President Donald Trump received an elaborate welcome ceremony outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People before beginning high-stakes bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump administration officials and American executives from various industries gathered awaiting the President’s arrival.

Among those seen were White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The group later attended a state banquet held for President Trump and President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People.

Musk was photographed posing for selfies with Chinese business leaders during the visit. One outlet reported that the SpaceX founder made a strange face while taking part in the photo opportunity. The gathering brought together senior Trump administration figures and chief executives of major American technology companies.

Their presence underscored the intersection of diplomacy and business interests during the two-day state visit.

The meetings between Trump and Xi are expected to address trade relations and other bilateral tensions. No specific outcomes from the talks were detailed in initial reporting. The presence of technology company leaders signals the importance of commercial ties even as the two governments navigate differences.

“China rolls out red carpet for Trump as Xi meeting tests trade, Taiwan tensions”

The event marks a notable moment of direct engagement between the leaders of the United States and China. Executives from the technology sector joined government officials for the formal dinner portion of the program. American companies have maintained significant operations in China despite periodic strains in the relationship.