President Trump departs China after summit with Xi
President Donald Trump gets a grand sendoff as he boards Air Force One while leaving Beijing.
U.S. President Donald Trump has wrapped up his trip to China where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week.
This was Trump's first trip to China during his current term. He had previously visited China during his first administration.
The president spoke to the press aboard Air Force One, calling Xi "an incredible guy."
TRUMP SAYS CHINA'S XI JINPING OFFERED TO HELP END IRAN CONFLICT
Here's a list detailing some notable moments from Trump's trip abroad and some of what the U.S. president has said about it:
1. Taiwan flashpoint
China's President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump visit the Temple of Heaven on May 14, 2026 in Beijing, China. (Brendan Smialowski - Pool/Getty Images)
During his remarks aboard the plane, Trump said Xi "feels very strongly" on the Taiwan issue, but noted, "I made no commitment either way."
"But, you know, I think the last thing we need right now is a war that's 9,500 miles away," Trump later opined.
Trump indicated that Xi asked him whether he'd defend Taiwan. "I said, I don't talk about that," the U.S. president noted.
2. Prisoners
US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One before his departure from Beijing Capital Airport in Beijing on May 15, 2026. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
TRUMP SAYS CHINA'S XI JINPING OFFERED TO HELP END IRAN CONFLICT
On the flight, Trump noted that Xi "told me that would be a tough one," regarding the possibility of releasing prisoner Jimmy Lai.
"He said he's gonna strongly consider the pastor," Trump said, apparently referring to imprisoned Pastor Ezra Jin.
3. Arrival Ceremony at Beijing Capital International Airport
U.S. President Donald Trump (C) is joined by Chinese Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu, U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, Vice President of China Han Zheng and Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng as he arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport on May 13, 2026 in Beijing, China. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
At the start of the trip, China literally rolled out a red carpet for President Donald Trump's arrival at the Beijing Capital International Airport.
Chinese Vice President H.E. Han Zheng was among those who greeted Trump.
4. Ceremony at the Great Hall of the People
U.S. President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping inspect a guard of honour during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. (Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Trump and Xi appeared together outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
5. Trump Meeting with Xi
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People on May 14, 2026 in Beijing, China. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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Xi and Trump met for a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall.
Leaders from some of America's biggest businesses attended part of the meeting, according to a White House readout.
Trump's China visit came amid the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran.
"On Iran, it's very interesting, he feels strongly they can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump said of Xi during the gaggle aboard Air Force One while flying back to the U.S.
6. State Banquet
While speaking at a banquet, Trump invited Xi and his wife to visit him at the White House later this year.
"And tonight it is my honor to extend an invitation to you and Madame Peng to visit us at the White House this September 24th, and we look forward to it," he said.
Trump added, "I'd now like to raise a glass and propose a toast to the rich and enduring ties between the American and Chinese people. It's a very special relationship," he said.
During his remarks on the way back to the U.S. aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that the visit could take place September 24 or September 26.
