Historic meeting begins in Washington; Trump welcomes Xi: "Our relationship is based on respect" PHOTO/VIDEO

Donald and Melania Trump welcomed Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan at the White House at around 4:15 p.m., accompanied by a military band and the flags of both countries.

During a joint appearance with Xi before reporters at the White House, Trump said that by working together, the United States and China had made “enormous progress on the issues facing our two countries,” CNN reported.

He added that the two countries were working toward a “more balanced trade relationship,” including “new market access for American farmers and ranchers.”

Tanjug/Jacquelyn Martin (STF)

Trump said he would discuss important issues with the Chinese president concerning “security, technology and superintelligence,” meaning artificial intelligence, and that decisions made in these areas today could “advance peace and prosperity for decades to come.”

“Our countries are actually doing the same thing, and we are very proud of that, as well as of our relationship,” Trump emphasized.

Trump also mentioned that U.S. Marines adopted the expression “gung-ho” from China, saying that in Chinese it means “to work together”.

Tanjug/Jacquelyn Martin (STF)

He concluded by saying that he and the Chinese president would continue to work together.

Xi arrived yesterday for a three-day state visit to the United States, during which he will also visit the White House, where a state dinner will be held with many representatives of the technology sector in attendance.

Trump also posted, after welcoming Xi, that he had met the Chinese president at the aircraft and that Xi looked better than ever and strong.

Visit Schedule

4:00 p.m. — The ceremony begins on the South Lawn, featuring the U.S. flag, an Armed Forces honor guard and an Army ceremonial band. It then moves to the White House, where the Marine Band will perform the national anthems of both countries. Trump and Xi will deliver remarks and exchange gifts, followed by a military review on the White House lawn. The ceremony will conclude with flyovers by two B-2 Spirit bombers and four F-22 Raptor fighter jets.

5:30 p.m. — Trump and Xi will hold bilateral talks in the Oval Office at the White House. Meanwhile, their wives, Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan, will visit the National Museum of Asian Art, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

12:45 a.m. — In the evening (6:45 p.m. Washington time), Xi and his wife will return to the White House for a state dinner in the East Room.

Around 1:00 a.m. — Trump and Xi will deliver remarks in the East Room.

On Friday morning, Washington time, the Trumps will also host Xi and Peng for tea in the Red Room before visiting the National Archives together, after which the guests will return to China.