Trump Lands in Beijing for High-Stakes Summit with Xi Jinping

President Donald Trump received a formal welcome from Chinese officials as he met China's President Xi Jinping before a high-stakes bilateral summit in Beijing.

Trump arrived in an armored vehicle Thursday morning local time. He met Xi in front of the Great Hall of the People amid crowds of military personnel, dignitaries, music and children.

The two presidents shook hands, introduced their delegations and posed for photos under a red-and-yellow canopy. The Star-Spangled Banner and China's national anthem played during the event.

"That was an honor like few I have ever seen before," Trump said after entering the Great Hall. "I think I was particularly impressed by those children. They were happy, they were beautiful. The military is obvious — it couldn't be better — but those children were amazing, and they represent so much. And I know, I know, they represent so much to you."

Trump walked around during the ceremony, taking in the display that featured children waving flags and holding flowers, along with marching Chinese soldiers and music from military bands.

The event marked the start of Trump's visit. Discussions inside were set to cover trade, security and efforts to stabilize U.S.-China ties, testing if the public diplomacy yields progress on ongoing disputes.

Xi shook hands with Trump's advisors, including Stephen Miller and Steven Cheung, as well as Cabinet members.

The public portion of the bilateral meeting was brief. "I look forward to our discussions on major issues important to our two countries and the world," Xi said through a translator.