According to AFP, multiple U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft reportedly arrived in Beijing ahead of President Donald Trump’s May 13 visit to China.
At the same time, several heavily armored vehicles believed to belong to the U.S. Secret Service, bearing official U.S. government license plates, were spotted on the streets of Beijing, drawing widespread attention online.
According to BBC Chinese, on Monday morning, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Trump would visit China from May 13 to 15. Prior to this, under repeated questioning from journalists stationed in China, Beijing had only stated that China and the U.S. were “maintaining communication.”
However, recent sightings of U.S. military transport aircraft landing at Beijing Capital International Airport fueled speculation that preparations for the visit had entered the final stage. This will be Trump’s second visit to China as president and the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to China in nine years.
According to a message circulated on X (formerly Twitter) on May 9, American government security vehicle convoys could already be seen on Beijing streets. These reportedly included vehicles used by the U.S. Secret Service, such as Chevrolet Suburbans and Ford F-350 command vehicles. The total number of support vehicles for this visit may be as high as 70, possibly the largest scale ever.
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Presidential motorcades getting ready
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), photos circulating online show two large black SUVs with vertically designed taillights, squared rear-door lines, and an all-black exterior traveling recently on Beijing expressways and near the city’s Third Ring Road.
The vehicles carried license plates marked “U.S. GOVERNMENT,” with the words “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” displayed underneath. They are believed to belong to the United States Secret Service and are thought to be heavily armored Chevrolet Suburban vehicles long used in presidential motorcades.
The report noted that at least four U.S. military Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft had recently arrived one after another at Beijing Capital Airport. It is believed they transported the U.S. presidential limousine known as “The Beast,” equipped with bulletproof armor, night-vision systems, self-sealing fuel tanks, and special communications equipment, along with logistical support vehicles. Communications security equipment, advanced security teams, and supplies were also reportedly included.
Some observant internet users further claimed that on May 11, another four C-17 transport aircraft flew from Misawa Air Base to Beijing Capital Airport. Together with the previous eight aircraft, the total number of C-17s may have been as many as 12, setting a record for a U.S. presidential overseas visit. By comparison, only two aircraft reportedly came during Trump’s 2017 visit to China.
Commentator Jin Ran said on the program Current Affairs Jin Scan that vehicles believed to belong to the U.S. Secret Service were seen traveling along Beijing’s Third Ring Road. According to witnesses, the vehicles were marked in English with the words “U.S. Government” and were heading toward the U.S. Embassy in Beijing’s Sanlitun district, likely to conduct route reconnaissance and security assessments ahead of the visit.
Jin Ran commented, “It seems that this spring in Beijing may bring not only sandstorms, but also an approaching storm of international politics.”
Reports from Chinese military bloggers
According to Lianhe Zaobao, as early as May 6, several Chinese military bloggers posted photos on social media claiming that residents spotted two U.S. Secret Service vehicles near the Beijing Airport Expressway and the Third Ring Road on the night of May 5. The photos showed license plates bearing the English words “U.S. Government” and “For Official Use Only.”
The sudden appearance of a U.S. security motorcade on Beijing streets sparked widespread attention among mainland Chinese internet users. On platforms such as Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin, the most-discussed topic was reportedly the license plate number “D01290.” Some users joked, “Does this car have a Beijing entry permit?” which became a trending topic online.
Users on X also discussed the matter extensively, posting comments such as: “All members of Trump’s entourage visiting China have roaming services, allowing them to access the internet normally—just as they would in the U.S.—without the need to bypass the firewall.”
Another said, “President Trump’s motorcade is rolling toward Beijing Capital Airport, and the scene looks absolutely epic. Prayers up for his protection.”
Others welcomed Trump, “Welcome to the Temple of Heaven Beijing. President Trump’s state visit to China 13 May – 15 May, 2026.”
