Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers roared over Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday as President Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States.
The aircraft passed overhead while the two leaders stood on the red carpet during the national anthem. Trump saluted as the bombers crossed above the arrival ceremony.
Video from the tarmac captured the sound and speed of the flyover:
CBS News reported that the arrival included two B-1 bombers and lasted about 10 minutes. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at the bottom of the stairs from the Chinese delegation’s aircraft.
A military band played as the couples moved onto the red carpet, and the two leaders stood together for the flyover. The airport greeting was unusual for a state visit because presidents generally receive visiting leaders at the White House rather than personally meeting them on the tarmac.
The report said Xi’s trip is his first White House visit in more than a decade and follows the leaders’ May meeting in Beijing. Thursday’s schedule includes a formal meeting and a state dinner.
Trade, technology and Taiwan are among the major issues surrounding the visit, including whether the two countries will extend a tariff truce that currently expires in November.
The ceremony also included a red carpet, an honor cordon, a military band and a formal salute:
NOW: President Trump has greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, DC with the following:
– 100-foot-long red carpet
– Salute Battery
– 21-Person Honor Cordon
– 2 three-person color teams to include the U.S. and Chinese flag
– USAF band playing fanfare and… pic.twitter.com/X7W0oOtc2u
— Jordan Conradson(@ConradsonJordan) September 23, 2026
Defense Visual Information Distribution Service carried the complete arrival ceremony from Joint Base Andrews. Its official webcast record identifies the event as President Trump’s arrival ceremony with the president of China on September 23.
The B-1B is a long-range supersonic bomber operated by the U.S. Air Force. Wednesday’s pass placed two of the aircraft directly over the ceremonial welcome as both leaders faced the honor guard.
A second angle showed the bombers crossing overhead while Trump held his salute:
TRUMP SALUDA MIENTRAS LOS B-1 SOBREVUELAN EN RECIBIMIENTO AL PRESIDENTE XI
Donald Trump presenta sus saludos mientras se interpreta el himno nacional de Estados Unidos, The Star-Spangled Banner, y bombarderos B-1 sobrevuelan el lugar durante el recibimiento al presidente Xi… pic.twitter.com/Cvt7uZmBI6
— Maibort Petit (@maibortpetit) September 24, 2026
Xi’s arrival begins a three-day state visit focused on the relationship between the United States and China. The leaders are scheduled to meet at the White House on Thursday before a state dinner that evening.
The White House says Thursday’s separate state arrival ceremony will feature 479 military personnel representing every branch of the U.S. armed forces. The program will move through the South Lawn, State Floor and Rose Garden, with the Marine Band performing the Chinese and American national anthems before remarks from Trump and Xi.
A presidential salute and military review will follow, along with demonstrations by the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the Marine Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. The ceremony is scheduled to conclude with another flyover, this time featuring a B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptors.
The state dinner is set for Thursday evening. On Friday, the two couples are scheduled to have tea at the White House and visit the National Archives before the state visit ends.
The two flyovers are therefore distinct: the B-1 bombers crossed Joint Base Andrews during Wednesday’s airport welcome, while the B-2 and F-22 formation is planned for Thursday at the White House.
Wednesday’s B-1 pass delivered the first major visual moment of the visit before the formal talks began.
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[ H/T WLT Report ]
