Same but different: how Xi and China welcomed Trump and Putin
China hosted both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in a carefully choreographed series of visits that highlighted their diplomatic relations. While the welcomes appeared similar, subtle differences indicated China's preference for Moscow as a trusted partner. Both visits resulted in limited tangible outcomes, reflecting the complexities of international relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- ▪Trump was welcomed in Beijing with a military band and an honour guard, while Putin received a similar reception but with a member of the politburo present.
- ▪China's reception of Trump and Putin showcased its ability to host leaders from both Washington and Moscow with equal grandeur, yet emphasized their differing statuses.
- ▪Despite the lavish ceremonies, both visits produced modest results, with little progress on key disputes such as Nvidia chip exports and tariffs.
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Trump and Putin’s handshakes with Xi in the Great Hall of the People Composite: White House press office/Maxim Stulov/SputnikView image in fullscreenTrump and Putin’s handshakes with Xi in the Great Hall of the People Composite: White House press office/Maxim Stulov/SputnikChinaAnalysisSame but different: how Xi and China welcomed Trump and PutinPjotr Sauer, and Amy Hawkins in Beijing Choreography of back-to-back visits appeared deliberately mirrored but China made sure the differences were noticedWed 20 May 2026 09.44 EDTLast modified on Wed 20 May 2026 09.49 EDTShareDays after Donald Trump was greeted in Beijing with a military band, an honour guard and dozens of youths waving American and Chinese flags, Vladimir Putin arrived in China to an almost identical spectacle.The choreography…
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