Xi Jinping Concludes First US State Visit in 11 Years

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to the United States on Friday, departing Washington, D.C., after a trip that began on Wednesday and marked his first state visit to the country in 11 years.

Senior U.S. government officials were present at the airport to see him off as he left the capital. A 21-gun salute was fired during the departure ceremony.

Earlier, Xi's motorcade arrived to the accompaniment of a military band, with an honour guard carrying the national flag of China. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were received by a U.S. official, shaking hands and walking along a red carpet lined by honour guards.

Along the route to the airport, representatives of overseas Chinese communities and Chinese students gathered by the roadside, waving the national flags of both countries to mark the conclusion of the visit.

Xi and Peng were seen waving before their departure, with officials also waving farewell. The Chinese and U.S. national flags were on display during the ceremonies, and the plane carrying the delegation was later seen ascending after takeoff.