US military prepares ceremonial welcome for Xi Jinping at the White House

A US military honour guard held a rehearsal at the White House as Washington fine-tuned diplomatic protocols and preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to the United States next week.

A video clip posted on social media by Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson on Tuesday afternoon Washington time showed service members from various military branches dressed in ceremonial uniform and standing in formation.

The drill mirrored the welcome extended to US President Donald Trump on May 14 during his visit to Beijing, where China hosted an elaborate ceremony featuring a People’s Liberation Army honour guard in the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump praised the Chinese military’s marching as “incredible”.

“We certainly got a very nice greeting and today was beautiful,” Trump said at the time.