Trump rolls out red carpets for Xi Jinping, though he has portrayed China as a global menace

WASHINGTON — He has accused China of hacking America’s elections and plundering its wealth, yet President Donald Trump has showered the visiting Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, with tributes and affection during their summit meeting this week at the White House.

Trump met his Chinese counterpart on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, outside Washington on Wednesday rather than wait back at the White House for an official greeting. It’s the first time he has ever shown a visiting world leader that courtesy.

Trump rolled out a red carpet not once but twice for Xi. The leaders walked side by side down a 100-foot-long red carpet after Xi’s Air China plane landed at Andrews. Another red carpet was laid out Thursday morning when Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arrived at the White House for the summit’s first full day.

In the evening, Trump feted Xi at a state dinner whose menu included sesame-crusted sea bass and braised bok choy, followed by a dessert of vanilla crémeux and honey ice cream.

President Trump in landmark meeting with China’s leader

“As the leaders of our two nations, President Xi and I both understand that we represent different systems, but the ties…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business