Trump in China: Presidents Trump and Xi meet at welcoming ceremony in Beijing

Following President Donald Trump’s arrival in Beijing the previous night, his two-day summit with China’s President Xi Jinping is set to begin Thursday morning with a welcoming ceremony for the U.S. president at the Great Hall of the People. 

The massive hall, which sits on the western side of Tiananmen Square, was built in 1959 to mark the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and serves as the location where Chinese officials often greet foreign dignitaries. At approximately 171,800 square meters, or around 42.5 acres, the hall covers an area larger than the Forbidden Palace.

US President Donald Trump (L) takes part in a welcome ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Trump was greeted with great fanfare Wednesday night, as well. In addition to the people on hand to greet him, the presidential motorcade rolled past a series of American and Chinese flags as "Beijing Welcome," written in Chinese, lit up nearby skyscrapers.

Trump and Xi’s first meeting happened at 10 a.m. China Standard Time, which is 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Afterwards, the two world leaders headed into private bilateral talks.

US President Donald Trump (C) is escorted by China's Vice President Han Zheng (R) upon his arrival at Beijing Capital Airport in Beijing on May 13, 2026. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

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Later in the day, Trump is scheduled to visit the Temple of Heaven, a 15th-century religious building symbolizing the relationship between heaven and earth, before Xi hosts his counterpart at a state dinner Thursday night.

The second day of the meeting will include a working tea and lunch between the two.

Here is the latest:

Trump-Xi shake hands to begin summit

10:43 p.m. ET - Presidents Trump and Xi shook hands Thursday morning to kick off the two-day summit.

After a brief greeting, the pair walked over to greet the dignitaries, which included members of the Trump administration as well as CEOs of some of the world’s largest nations, who had lined up for the ceremony.

After the two nations’ respective national anthems played, Trump and Xi walked over to a red dais where they stood side-by-side to inspect the honor guard. They also paused for a moment in front of a group of children who had gathered for the ceremony and were waving flowers.

Rubio on Trump's message to China on Iran

9:55 p.m. ET - The Trump administration will make an economic argument to Chinese officials for why they should take a "more active role" on Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained.

Rubio said the U.S. would highlight how "economies are melting down because of this crisis" and point out that would mean people are "buying less Chinese product."

"So it’s in their interest to resolve this," Rubio said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity. "We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they’re doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf."

Prior to departing for China, however, Trump offered a different perspective on the differences between the two countries regarding the Iran war.

"We have a lot of things to discuss," Trump said. "I wouldn’t say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control."