Watch: Why has Trump been so eager to welcome Xi?

US President Donald Trump has been talking for months about Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington DC. He's spruced up the White House, lamented that his new ballroom won't be finished in time and ensured a new marble helipad is ready to show off to the Chinese leader.

Trump gave Xi a warm welcome on his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, complete with a military flyover and a 100ft (30m) red carpet.

The BBC's North America Editor Sarah Smith explains how Trump has long made no secret of his admiration for strongman leaders around the world.