Xi-Trump summit: China’s state car has already proved a match for the US ‘Beast’
Por Liu Zhen — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement 2026 Xi-Trump summits China Diplomacy Xi-Trump summit: China’s state car has already proved a match for the US ‘Beast’
The custom-built Hongqi N701 caught the eye of then-president Biden when he met the Chinese leader in San Francisco in 2023
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Liu Zhen Published: 9:00pm, 23 Sep 2026 Updated: 9:07pm, 23 Sep 2026
US President Donald Trump has made no secret of how little he agrees with his predecessor, Joe Biden, on many things.
So, as Chinese President Xi Jinping is about to arrive in Washington on Wednesday, local time, there is one object that may offer a small moment of entertaining comparison between the two American leaders: Xi’s car.
Xi is expected to bring his own ride – a custom-built Hongqi N701, the Chinese state limousine that has accompanied him on overseas trips since 2022.
In a brief exchange captured on camera during Xi’s visit to San Francisco in November 2023, then-president Biden and his guest stopped beside the Chinese limousine. “It’s a beautiful vehicle,” the American leader said.
“It’s our Hongqi. Domestically made,” Xi responded with a smile, telling his staff to open the door so that Biden could take a look at the highly secure rear cabin.
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