Following a 90-minute discussion in the Oval Office on 24/9, President Donald Trump led Chinese President Xi Jinping to the South Lawn of the White House. There, a VH-92A Patriot helicopter stood on a granite landing pad.

As the two leaders approached the helicopter, a US Marine opened the door and saluted. The US President and the Chinese President then boarded the helicopter with their aides and interpreters. They looked around and spoke with the pilots for a few minutes. The helicopter remained stationary and did not take off.

Xi and Trump boarded Marine One on 24/9. Video: X/RapidResponse47

"Marine One" is the official designation used by the US Marine Corps for any helicopter carrying the US President, preventing confusion with other aircraft. The US President commonly uses helicopters for short or medium-distance travel when Air Force One or a motorcade is not feasible.

"We had a great meeting, and he was very interested in granite. He's an expert on rocks and many other things. He loves good quality granite," President Trump told reporters.

The US President pointed to the inscription "Seal of the President of the United States" on the landing pad's surface and enthusiastically touched Xi's arm several times. The Chinese leader returned the gesture once, patting the US President.

Trump also showed Xi photos displayed in the West Wing, capturing moments of US leaders in various parts of the world. President Trump also showed President Xi a photo of the two leaders taken during Trump's visit to Beijing in May.

"Who is that? I don't recognize him. We have great respect for you and have hung it up," Trump joked.

The US President presented President Xi with a replica of the Declaration of Independence hanging in the Oval Office, according to photos released by the Chinese embassy. He also showed Xi the ballroom under construction where the East Wing once stood, describing the project.

Trump and Xi stood next to Marine One on 24/9. Photo: AFP

According to Chinese state media, during their Oval Office discussion, President Xi reiterated his stance on Taiwan, urging President Trump to carefully consider the US position and opposing Taiwan's independence. The Chinese leader also called for the US and Iran to resolve differences through dialogue as soon as possible.

Xi later stated that the two nations reached a "new common understanding" on trade following a round of talks.

President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington, D.C. on 23/9, marking the first state visit by a Chinese leader to the US in 11 years. Trump personally welcomed Xi at Joint Base Andrews, the first time a US president directly greeted a foreign head of state at the facility in over 60 years.

At the official welcoming ceremony at the White House on 24/9, a stealth aircraft formation, consisting of a B-2 bomber and 4 F-22 fighter jets, flew overhead to demonstrate diplomatic respect.

Pham Giang (According to Washington Post, SCMP, AFP)