TRUMP TOURS EXCLUSIVE ZHONGNANHAI GARDENS WITH XI — RARE HONOR FOR U.S. PRESIDENT AMID ANCIENT TREES
President Trump received a rare invitation into Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leadership’s private compound, for a personal garden tour with President Xi Jinping.
Xi highlighted the historic trees: “Look at this tree. This is two trees connected together from more than 100 years ago. Not only that, not just one hundred. All the other trees here have been around for 200-300 years. There was another 400 year old. This one is a little thicker, 400 years old… There are also 1000 year trees in other places.”
Trump asked directly: “Do you as the president and chairman of your country — will come here to welcome them too?”
Xi replied: “Very rarely. We used to have outdoor activities in these areas. But after we had some outdoor events, it became very rare.”
The exclusive tour underscores the high-level respect shown to President Trump during his visit to China.