Xi received 100-foot red carpet, military flyover at Andrews Wednesday
Trump has been talking for months about Xi Jinping’s planned trip to Washington, D.C., the BBC reported, and spruced up the White House grounds ahead of the Chinese leader’s arrival.
Trump also ensured a new marble helipad at the White House was ready to show off to the Chinese leader, the BBC reported.
Trump also lamented that his new White House ballroom would not be finished during the state visit, according to the BBC.
The welcome itself took place Wednesday evening at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where Trump’s reception combined a military flyover with a 100-foot (30m) red carpet, the BBC reported.
BBC North America Editor Sarah Smith said Trump has long made no secret of his admiration for strongman leaders around the world.
The BBC invited readers to follow along with the visit.