US President Donald Trump gave Chinese President Xi Jinping a look at the White House’s newly built helipad and Marine One during Xi’s state visit to Washington on Thursday.
The two leaders walked together toward the helipad after their meetings at the White House, with Marine One parked nearby. According to a White House pool report, Trump pointed out features of the helipad to Xi as the two discussed the installation.
The informal moment came during Xi’s first White House visit in more than a decade and followed an elaborate state-arrival ceremony earlier in the day.
The White House had officially opened the new helipad on September 21, with Trump taking part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Marine One subsequently used the facility for the president’s departure to Joint Base Andrews.
On Thursday, Trump and Xi spent part of the day together at the White House as the US president hosted his Chinese counterpart for a state visit. Their programme included a formal arrival ceremony, a military review, bilateral discussions and a state dinner.
During the helipad visit, reporters in the White House pool were positioned at a distance as the two presidents spoke. Trump told reporters afterward, “We had a great meeting,” while leading Xi toward the helipad.
The moment provided a less formal scene during a visit otherwise marked by extensive diplomatic ceremony. Earlier, Trump and Xi had participated in a military review in the Rose Garden, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan.
Xi’s visit comes as Washington and Beijing address a range of issues, including trade, technology, artificial intelligence and Taiwan. The two countries have also been navigating tensions over Iran and other international issues.
The state visit runs from September 23 to 25 and was arranged at Trump’s invitation. China’s Foreign Ministry said the two presidents would exchange views on China-US relations and broader international issues during the visit.
The helipad itself has attracted attention since construction was completed. Trump inaugurated the facility on September 21, with official White House photographs showing Marine One landing on the new installation and Trump boarding the aircraft.