Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day visit that began with an unusually elaborate welcome from US President Donald Trump, highlighting the importance both sides attach to keeping ties stable despite their differences. Trump personally received Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, as they stepped off their plane at Joint Base Andrews. The welcome included a 100-foot red carpet, a 21-member honour guard, military contingents, the national anthems of both countries and a flypast by two B-1 bombers. Trump, who has repeatedly praised Xi as a "great leader" and described him as a friend, removed…