Xi's plane lands at Joint Base Andrews

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday to begin a three-day state visit to the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania greeted Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan at the base.

At the invitation of Trump, Xi is paying a state visit to the U.S. from Wednesday to Friday.

During the visit, the two leaders will have an in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relations, and major issues concerning world peace and development, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

The visit comes after Xi hosted Trump in Beijing back in May. The exchange of visits between the leaders of the two countries within half a year is of historic and milestone significance, said the ministry.

The trip marks Xi's second state visit to the U.S. following his first in 2015.

Xi's plane lands at Joint Base Andrews

Xi's plane lands at Joint Base Andrews

Xi's plane lands at Joint Base Andrews

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday afternoon to begin a three-day state visit to the United States.

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were warmly greeted by U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump at the base in a rare planeside welcome.

The welcome ceremony also included a gun salute and the playing of the national anthems of both countries.

Xi lands in U.S. for state visit, greeted by Trump