United States President Donald Trump has welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington with a military flyover and a 100-foot red carpet as the two leaders begin a three-day summit.

In a rare gesture, Trump welcomed Xi's entourage at the airport, where the US Air Force band performed as American and Chinese flags were displayed.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday evening. He and Peng were greeted by a colour and honour guard before the two couples shook hands and briefly spoke.

Xi's visit is his first trip to Washington since 2015 and is expected to include closed-door meetings and a state dinner.

The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including artificial intelligence, the war in Iran, Taiwan and an extension of the current trade truce between the two countries.