Donald Trump lands in China ahead of pivotal meeting with Xi Jinping

Donald Trump touched down on Wednesday. Credit: AP

Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his hotly anticipated talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the Iran war, trade and Taiwan.

The meat of the summit doesn't start until Thursday, when the leaders hold bilateral talks, visit the Temple of Heaven, where Chinese emperors once prayed for bumper crops, and take part in a formal banquet.

But the Chinese offered Trump a pomp-filled welcome, literally rolling out the red carpet for him after Air Force One landed in Beijing.

Trump was greeted by flag waving crowds. Credit: AP

The president was greeted by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng as he touched down to waving crowds.

The welcoming ceremony included a military honour guard, a military band and some 300 people waving Chinese and American flags and chanting, “Welcome, welcome! Warm welcome!” as Trump made his way to his waiting limousine.

"We're the two superpowers," Trump told reporters as he departed the White House on Tuesday for the long flight to Beijing. "We're the strongest nation on Earth in terms of military. China’s considered second."

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