Why Xi Didn't Flinch at Trump's Flyover Flex

A flyover involving U.S. B-1 Lancer bombers at Joint Base Andrews turned into an unexpected moment for President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump physically recoiled at the thunderous sound, while Xi kept a neutral expression and did not respond. The event also featured six F-16s and six F-22 Raptors on the tarmac, with additional aircraft including a B-2 Spirit and four F-22s due to appear over the White House the next day. The analysis in the article notes that several showcased platforms are relatively old—F-16s average nearly 34 years and F-22s about 19—while China, it says, unveiled footage of a J-36 stealth jet first seen over Chengdu in December 2024.