Trump Welcomes Xi Jinping to White House as State Visit Begins

President Donald Trump welcomed China's Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday morning, formally opening a closely watched state visit.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump stepped out of the White House residence onto the South Lawn to the sound of trumpets, where they received Xi and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan. The Chinese leader and his spouse arrived in a black vehicle and exchanged warm handshakes with the Trumps before the four posed for photographs and walked inside together.

The visit brings together the leaders of the world's two largest economies at a time when a range of difficult subjects sits on the agenda. Trump, however, chose to highlight his long-standing relationship with Xi as the two prepared to sit down with aides for opening remarks ahead of formal talks.

Speaking after his arrival at the White House, Xi said competition between the two countries "should be a healthy one and should be kept within bounds." He also said both nations share a responsibility to ensure that humans always operate artificial intelligence.

The leaders' opening remarks preceded the formal discussions scheduled for Thursday.