Xi Visits The U.S.

(WASHINGTON) – Chinese President Xi Jinping [[ she jeen-peeng ]] is at the White House for a state dinner tonight.

President Trump could be seen greeting Xi before escorting him inside.

It’s Xi’s first visit to Washington, DC in a over a decade.

Tonight’s dinner is also being attended by U.S. tech executives.

Meanwhile, CNN is reporting it was denied access to Xi’s arrival, despite its reporters being allowed back in the White House earlier today.

—-earlier report—–

The two leaders kept details of their talks private, but Trump described the meeting as “great” and highlighted Xi’s interest in the granite used at the White House.

“He likes granite,” Trump told reporters on the South Lawn, calling Xi “an expert on stone, aside from many other things.”

The Marine One tour followed completion of a new White House helipad, one of several improvement projects championed by Trump in Washington. Those projects include construction of a new White House ballroom on the former site of the East Wing.

Xi’s visit also featured a military review, underscoring the importance of the occasion and America’s strength on the world stage.

First Lady Melania Trump and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, where a children’s choir welcomed them.

Trump noted Xi is the first Chinese leader to make a second formal state visit to the United States. He said their relationship is built on mutual respect and the vital interests of both nations.

A state dinner with the leaders and prominent technology executives was scheduled for Thursday night.