Trump Gives Xi Rare Welcome with Fighter Jet Flypast

Amid strained relations between the world’s two largest economic powers, the United States and China, signs of a positive development have emerged. US President Donald Trump gave Chinese President Xi Jinping an unprecedented and rare welcome during his visit to the United States. After President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, stepped off their aircraft at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump went directly to the aircraft to greet them.

A red carpet nearly 100 feet long was laid at the airport to welcome the Chinese president. Along with the national anthems of both countries and a 21-member military honour guard, two B-1 bombers were flown overhead. Trump’s decision to personally welcome the Chinese leader at the airport instead of receiving him at the White House has drawn particular attention in diplomatic circles.
First Lady Melania Trump said Donald Trump personally decided to be present at the airport to welcome President Xi because the two leaders have an excellent personal relationship. Speaking to reporters after returning to the White House, Mr. Trump said, “I think they took this very positively. They are wonderful people.”
Meanwhile, after arriving in the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a statement that China and the United States should build a partnership rather than engage in hostile rivalry.

At the same time, Washington and Beijing agreed to extend their ongoing tariff truce for another two months, until January 10. Analysts said Xi Jinping’s state visit began with a highly positive message. International relations and trade analysts believe that although the two-month extension beyond the previously set November deadline may appear limited, it could play a positive role in resolving bilateral differences.

Meanwhile, as China seeks to expand its influence on the complex stage of global politics and geopolitics, the country’s First Lady, Peng Liyuan, has emerged as one of Beijing’s most effective “diplomatic tools.” Peng’s presence during President Xi Jinping’s international visits is not limited to ceremonial appearances. Her elegance, fashion sense and cultural representation are giving Chinese diplomacy a more personal and softer image something analysts describe as an expression of China’s “soft power.”

Peng Liyuan’s role is markedly different from that of previous first ladies associated with the Chinese Communist Party. A former popular singer and “People’s Singer” of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Peng was already a well-known figure in China long before Xi Jinping became the country’s president. She has also been actively involved in social and humanitarian work as a World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

Peng Liyuan’s greatest influence in international diplomacy, however, can be seen in the world of fashion. Rather than relying on Western brands, she consistently gives priority to Chinese-made clothing and traditional Chinese designs, such as Mandarin collars. Her fashion consciousness has played a significant role in enhancing the profile of Chinese domestic brands on the international stage.
This balanced combination of modernity and Chinese culture presents a distinctive image of Beijing’s heritage and strength on the global stage. According to analysts, Peng Liyuan’s warmth and social engagement, in contrast to Xi Jinping’s more rigid administrative image, are helping increase China’s acceptability on the stage of global politics.
Source: SCMP