Chinese leader Xi Jinping has greeted US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People.

The building is a hub for legislative action by the communist government and a center for key cultural and social events on the Western side of Tiananmen Square.

The pair shook hands and chatted, with Trump patting Xi on the arm before they posed for pictures on the red carpet.

A brass band played the national anthems before the leaders strolled past rows of military honor guard and children waving flowers and US and Chinese flags, with Trump occasionally

patting Xi on the back.

BREAKING: President Trump has ARRIVED at the Great Hall of the People, being received by Xi Jinping

This is absolutely HISTORIC.

America is truly respected again. And that's a great feeling.