Trump will greet Xi at the airport when China's leader arrives

The image of President Trump meeting Xi Jinping at the airport stairs is going to be one for the history books. It is a deliberate contrast to the usual sterile welcome on the South Lawn, and frankly, it is a smart piece of old-school diplomacy. Roll out the red carpet and treat a visiting leader like a guest of honor, not a business appointment. The Chinese, who are keenly aware of protocol and face, will absolutely take note that the leader of the free world made the trip to greet them personally.

There is more symbolism here than just a friendly gesture. This is the first state visit by a Chinese leader in over a decade, and it happens because our President understands the value of personal relationships over stale bullet points. While the pundits will obsess over trade deficits and chip bans, the real business will happen in the moments between the talking points. You cannot negotiate from a position of strength by insulting the other side before you even sit down. A little schmoozing is not a concession; it is the lubricant that gets the hard conversations done.

Ultimately, we hope the President secures the deals that put American workers first, but his posturing here is more than just optics. He is showcasing a leadership style that is equal parts showman and statesman, which is something our allies and adversaries need to see. We are done with apologizing for American strength, and rolling out the welcome mat is just another way of showing we aren't afraid of a little face-to-face competition. Let the talking heads chatter about the pageantry; we are interested in the results. If a handshake on the tarmac gets us closer to a fair deal, then it is a welcome sight indeed.