Two American military cargo aircraft have been spotted landing in Beijing – another apparent sign that US President Donald Trump’s trip to China will go ahead as expected this month.
According to images posted on Chinese social media by several aviation photography enthusiasts, the C-17 US Air Force heavy-lifters – bearing the tail numbers 088204 and 055140 on their vertical stabilisers – arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport on Friday and Saturday.
The planes’ arrival was also noted on Saturday by Armchair Admiral, a Britain-based social media channel that tracks air force aircraft movements, which added that two more C-17 aircraft appeared to be “en route” to the country at the time.
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That sparked speculation online that Washington may be pre-positioning advance equipment, including vehicles, as part of preparations for Trump’s anticipated visit to China in two weeks.
C-17s are high-wing four-engine heavy-lifters that are routinely used to transport a US president’s or vice-president’s motorcade and support gear – including the heavily armoured presidential limousine known as “The Beast” – before overseas trips.
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American forces reportedly deployed at least four C-17s to move a massive motorcade of dozens of vehicles in preparation for US Vice-President J.D. Vance’s visit to Islamabad last month for peace talks with Iran.