Video of US military adjusting red carpet for China’s Xi sparks online backlash - South China Morning Post

Alyssa ChenPublished: 12:23pm, 24 Sep 2026Updated: 3:34pm, 24 Sep 2026A video clip showing uniformed US military personnel on their hands and knees making last-minute adjustments to a red carpet has gone viral online, with critics pointing to the lavish welcome President Donald Trump rolled out for his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews.The 12-second clip, which circulated widely on US social media, captured several service members hurriedly smoothing and cleaning the 30-metre (98-foot) carpet moments before Xi emerged from his aircraft.

Chinese officials – including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the ministry’s protocol chief Hong Lei – can be seen watching the operation from the aircraft doorway.

The ceremony this time included military flyovers by two B-1 Lancer bombers, six F-16 and six F-22 fighters, along with honour guards and a 21-gun salute. Trump and first lady Melania Trump were at the foot of the aircraft stairs to greet Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan as they descended.