Donald Trump built a US$5 million White House helipad. Don’t expect Xi Jinping to use it
Por Mark Magnier — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement 2026 Xi-Trump summits China Donald Trump built a US$5 million White House helipad. Don’t expect Xi Jinping to use it
US president might aim to impress during Xi’s state visit, but Chinese protocol discourages its leaders from using helicopters
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Mark Magnier in New York Published: 4:07am, 24 Sep 2026 US President Donald Trump has been very eager to show off to Chinese leader Xi Jinping his new US$5 million White House helipad, his latest bid to stamp his image on Washington. While Xi might act impressed and compliment the US president on his latest building project – part of Trump’s bid to match Xi’s splendour-filled hosting four months ago in Beijing and show the Chinese that Americans can build infrastructure too – do not count on Xi actually trying it out with a chopper ride this week during his first state visit to the US in 11 years.
“I’m sure Xi will appear impressed, like, oh, this is really remarkable. I’m never getting on,” said Yun Sun, senior fellow with the Stimson Centre. “I don’t think the Chinese security protocol will allow for a helicopter take-off or landing or for Xi Jinping to take a ride.”
“They know how dangerous that thing is. It’s a flying coffin.”
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