President Xi Jinping is currently in Washington for a state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between China and the United States. This marks Xi’s first state visit to the US since 2015 and involves a series of formal events and bilateral discussions orchestrated at the highest level of diplomacy.
State visits represent the most prestigious form of diplomatic engagement between the US and foreign nations. They are typically reserved for visits by foreign heads of state who accept a formal invitation from the American president. In Xi’s case, the state visit invitations are extended to him as China’s head of state. While exceptions exist—such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 state visit—these visits involve strict protocols designed to show respect and honour to the visiting leader.
Xi’s arrival in the United States was marked by a rare gesture of respect: President Donald Trump personally greeted him on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews. The visiting Chinese delegation is staying at Blair House, a traditional guest residence for state visitors located just across the street from the White House.
The official itinerary includes a full military welcome ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, featuring nearly 480 personnel from all branches of the US Armed Forces. The ceremony will showcase military bands, demonstration units, and flyovers by Air Force aircraft. Such pomp and pageantry are hallmark elements of a state visit, designed to reinforce the significance of the diplomatic relationship.
Key moments of the visit include a state dinner hosted by the US president, typically involving a multi-course menu blending the culinary traditions of both countries. Following the meal, leaders exchange toasts and typically partake in entertainment in the White House East Room. An exchange of state gifts is also customary during such visits.
Bilateral discussions are a critical component of the visit, with topics expected to cover trade, artificial intelligence, and other strategic issues shaping US-China relations. Alongside these talks, President Trump will host Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan for tea in the White House’s Red Room, followed by a joint tour of the National Archives.
Xi’s last state visit to the US was in 2015, when then-President Barack Obama welcomed him with a formal ceremony and 21-gun salute. More recently, Xi met President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, though that was not classified as a state visit.
Not all visits by foreign leaders to Washington receive the state visit designation. The US State Department differentiates among state, official, working, and other visit types based on the rank of the visitor and the nature of the invitation. For instance, while Indian Prime Minister Modi visited in 2023 for a state visit, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and British Prime Minister Theresa May met with President Trump without the full ceremonial honours, as they are heads of government, not heads of state. The monarch remains the head of state in both Canada and the United Kingdom.
Other recent state visits hosted by the US include French President Emmanuel Macron in 2018 and King Charles and Queen Camilla in 2026. The current visit underscores the continuing importance of formal diplomatic ceremonies in maintaining and enhancing international relationships.