Military Aircraft Appears to Startle Trump During Xi’s Welcome Ceremony

US President Donald Trump’s welcome for his Chinese counterpart coincided with military aircraft flying overhead, in a scene during which the American president appeared visibly uncomfortable.

While Xi Jinping, 73, maintained an impassive expression as the aircraft approached, Trump, 80, appeared more affected by the noise of the B-1 bombers.

As they passed overhead, he bent slightly forward and clenched his teeth.

The US president continued watching the bombers during the flyover. He then pursed his lips in an expression suggesting surprise before whispering a few words to Xi with a slight sideways smile.

On Thursday, Trump began the Chinese president’s visit to the United States with a rare personal welcome on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Xi’s aircraft landed shortly before 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the US president welcomed his Chinese counterpart and Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan, at the end of a red carpet measuring approximately 100 feet.

Two children carrying bouquets of flowers stood alongside them.

The ceremony included an artillery salute, a 21-member honor guard and two three-person color guard units carrying the American and Chinese flags.

Six F-16 fighter jets and six F-22 fighters were also lined up on the base’s runway.