Trump Welcomes Xi with B-1 Bomber Flyover at Joint Base Andrews State Visit
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews on September 23, 2026, with a red carpet ceremony and a flyover by two B-1 bombers. The following day, a B-2 Spirit bomber flanked by four F-22 Raptors flew over the White House. The event included 479 military personnel, a 21-gun salute, and ceremonial units. The BBC corrected an initial report that the B-1 bombers are no longer nuclear-capable.
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US Air Force Bombers and Fighters Conduct Flyovers During Chinese President Xi's DC Visit
During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington D.C. on September 23-24, the U.S. Air Force conducted multiple flyovers featuring B-1B Lancers, a B-2 Spirit bomber, and F-22 Raptor fighters. Xi arrived at Joint Base Andrews on September 23 and was greeted by President Donald Trump and a military honor guard, with two B-1B Lancers flying overhead during the national anthem. The following day, a B-2 Spirit flanked by four F-22 Raptors soared over the White House to cap a morning of military ceremonies. The event included 479 military personnel from all branches, a 21-gun salute, and performances by the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and Marine Corps units. The article notes that while military flyovers are common for state visits, the inclusion of bombers is less routine, comparing it to a similar flyover for Trump and Russian President Putin in Alaska in August 2025.
Read sourceUS Air Force Bombers and Fighters Conduct Flyovers During Chinese Leader Xi's DC Visit
During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington D.C., the U.S. Air Force conducted multiple flyovers featuring strategic bombers and fighter jets. On September 23, two B-1B Lancers flew over Joint Base Andrews as Xi arrived and was greeted by President Donald Trump. The following day, a B-2 Spirit bomber flanked by four F-22 Raptors soared over the White House during a ceremony. The article notes that while military flyovers are common for state visits, the inclusion of bombers is less routine, comparing it to a previous flyover for Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The event included 479 military personnel and various ceremonial units. This is Xi's first state visit to the U.S. since 2015.
Read sourceTrump welcomes Xi Jinping with red carpet and B-1 bomber flyover at Andrews base
Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews with a red carpet ceremony and a military flyover by two B-1 bombers to mark the start of a historic three-day US visit. The supersonic bombers, described as a key part of the US combat arsenal, produced a loud roar as they passed overhead. The BBC's Bernd Debusmann reported on the pomp and pageantry of the welcome. A correction note clarified that the B-1 bombers are no longer nuclear-capable and cannot carry nuclear weapons, amending an earlier report.
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Trump welcomes Xi Jinping with red carpet and B-1 bomber flyover at Joint Base Andrews
Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews with a red carpet ceremony and a military flyover featuring two B-1 bombers, marking the start of a historic three-day US visit. The B-1 bombers, supersonic aircraft that are a key part of the US combat arsenal, produced a notoriously loud roar as they passed overhead. The event, reported by BBC News on September 23, 2026, underscores the ceremonial significance of the state visit.
Trump Welcomes Xi Jinping with Red Carpet and B-1 Bomber Flyover at Joint Base Andrews
Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews with a red carpet ceremony and a military flyover by two B-1 bombers to mark the start of a historic three-day US visit. The supersonic bombers, a key part of the US combat arsenal, produced a loud roar as they passed overhead. The BBC's Bernd Debusmann reported on the pomp and pageantry of the welcome. A correction was issued noting that the B-1 bombers are no longer nuclear-capable, contrary to an initial report by the reporter.