Why Xi’s flight from China to the US was hours faster than Trump’s in May

Over a private tea session in the White House’s Red Room to mark the end of Xi Jinping’s state visit, US President Donald Trump struck a relaxed tone, marvelling across the table at how fast the Chinese leader had made the trip to America.

“It’s a very fast plane … the fastest plane,” Trump said, in footage captured after the White House TV press pool resumed coverage following a court ruling that restored access to outlets previously banned by the US president.

“[It was due to] its route,” Xi replied. “We go by Russia, Alaska, Canada, and then into the US.”