'Most Cringe Awkward Display': Netizens Slam Trump's 'Staged' China Welcome Ceremony

President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both countries are set to discuss how to reduce growing tensions over trade, security and global influence.

The visit marks Trump’s first trip to China since 2017.

Meanwhile, during his recent visit, Chinese authorities gave Trump a grand welcome at the Great Hall of the People.

Alongside the press, hundreds of children appeared waving flowers and flags while chanting “Welcome! Welcome!” to the president.

While Trump appeared pleased by the ceremony, netizens had a very different reaction.

Trump landed in China on Wednesday, May 13, for his three-day visit and a summit with Jinping.

He is set to leave the country on Friday, May 15. The two presidents are supposed to talk about economic wins and maintain the trade truce, while also reflecting on the issue of the Iran war.

Trump's welcome ceremony included a military band, an honor guard and hundreds of Chinese youth waving at him.

During the event, Trump appeared smiling and waving back at the kids.

However, netizens weren't pleased with how China welcomed Trump. After the video of the event went viral, people took to X, as one user branded it “the most cringe awkward display” of their lives.

Another claimed “China is playing with Trump,” by comparing the the president's welcome to Jinping’s appearance in North Korea.

An individual criticized the ceremony writing, “Everything so staged these days.”

“Those poor students probably got a day off from school just to make Trump feel extra welcomed,” added another.

One user noted, “Communist ceremony to welcome a Capitalist leader.”

Amid the internet’s underwhelming reaction to Trump's welcome at Beijing, White House has shared some comments on the two presidents’ summit.

A White House official told NBC News, “President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China.”

“The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries.” the official stated.

“Leaders from many of the United States’ largest companies joined a portion of the meeting,” the official added.

The White House further stated, “The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy.”

However, what the White House official refrained from mentioning was Trump and Jinping's discussion on Taiwan.

Even though the issue over self-ruled Taiwan was part of the bilateral talks in Beijing, the White House representative omitted mentioning it.

This comes after a state broadcaster CCTV caught Jinping saying, “The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.”

According to The Guardian, the Chinese president said, “If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-U.S. relationship into a highly perilous situation.”