Hong Kong Media: US Military C-17 Transport Aircraft Lands in Beijing on May 1 Ahead of Trump's Visit
According to Hong Kong media reports, a US military C-17 transport aircraft landed at Beijing Capital Airport on May 1, ahead of former US President Trump's anticipated visit to China. This is believed to be for the advance transport of materials needed for Trump's trip.
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- 📰 Published: May 2, 2026 at 15:27
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TAIPEI, May 2 (CNA) — Ahead of former US President Donald Trump's anticipated visit to China in mid-May, Hong Kong's Sing Tao Daily website today cited reports that a US military C-17 transport aircraft landed at Beijing Capital Airport yesterday, May 1, to pre-transport materials for Trump's trip.
According to comprehensive reports from Sing Tao Daily website and Beijing Sina.com, many Chinese netizens posted photos and videos on Weibo showing a US military C-17 transport aircraft landing at Beijing Capital Airport.
The report stated that the US military C-17 "Globemaster" transport aircraft's tail number is 88204. According to aviation data, the aircraft belongs to the US Air Force's 437th Airlift Wing. Aviation tracking platforms showed it flew from Tokyo towards China on May 1 and departed Beijing on May 2.
The report mentioned that, according to past practice, before a US president's visit, the presidential motorcade and other related support vehicles are pre-transported by Air Force C-17s to various locations around the world.
The White House previously stated that Trump would visit China from May 14 to 15. However, China has not yet confirmed this.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 30, stated that both sides should prepare for an important "high-level interaction agenda."
Before Trump's first visit to China in November 2017 during his first presidential term, Chinese citizens also photographed two US military C-17 transport aircraft, used for transporting materials, arriving at Beijing Capital Airport before Trump's departure. Trump's visit to China at that time lasted three days.
According to comprehensive reports from Sing Tao Daily website and Beijing Sina.com, many Chinese netizens posted photos and videos on Weibo showing a US military C-17 transport aircraft landing at Beijing Capital Airport.
The report stated that the US military C-17 "Globemaster" transport aircraft's tail number is 88204. According to aviation data, the aircraft belongs to the US Air Force's 437th Airlift Wing. Aviation tracking platforms showed it flew from Tokyo towards China on May 1 and departed Beijing on May 2.
The report mentioned that, according to past practice, before a US president's visit, the presidential motorcade and other related support vehicles are pre-transported by Air Force C-17s to various locations around the world.
The White House previously stated that Trump would visit China from May 14 to 15. However, China has not yet confirmed this.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 30, stated that both sides should prepare for an important "high-level interaction agenda."
Before Trump's first visit to China in November 2017 during his first presidential term, Chinese citizens also photographed two US military C-17 transport aircraft, used for transporting materials, arriving at Beijing Capital Airport before Trump's departure. Trump's visit to China at that time lasted three days.