Trump and Xi Jinping meet in front of the Great Hall of the People in China [Reuters/Yonhap News]

The reunion between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 14th (local time) in Beijing, their first meeting in nearly nine years, was marked by a sense of closeness from the outset.

President Trump arrived at the Great Hall of the People, the venue for the summit, around 10 a.m. that day in his armored limousine, the 'Beast.' President Xi, who was waiting in front of the Great Hall of the People, personally greeted President Trump.

Prior to Trump's arrival, Xi was captured directing the welcoming ceremony, giving instructions to staff.

As President Trump alighted from the Beast, buttoned his jacket, and extended his right hand in a formal greeting, President Xi also extended his right hand. The two leaders shook hands approximately six months after their last meeting in Busan, South Korea, in late October of the previous year.

Along with the handshake, President Trump patted President Xi's left arm with his hand, creating an atmosphere as if meeting an old friend again.

President Trump and President Xi then introduced the attendees from both the Chinese and U.S. sides, who were lined up in front of the Great Hall of the People, to each other. Following this, they reviewed the Chinese honor guard amidst the playing of both national anthems and the firing of ceremonial salutes.

President Trump applauds in front of welcoming Chinese children [AFP/Yonhap News]

The atmosphere of the formal event, which had been somewhat stiff, was softened by the children standing by the red carpet, waving the flags of both nations and flowers, and cheering enthusiastically by jumping in place.

In response to the children's welcome, President Trump, finally smiling, paused with President Xi and reciprocated with applause and gestures.

President Trump praised the children's welcome during the summit's opening remarks, calling it "impressive" and "amazing."

After acknowledging the children with applause, President Trump and President Xi ascended the stairs together towards the summit venue within the Great Hall of the People.

During this process, President Trump engaged in his characteristic physical contact, lightly tapping President Xi's arm or hand. President Xi also paused while climbing the stairs to point out landmarks in Beijing to President Trump.

As the leaders and ministers of diplomacy, military, and economy from both countries entered the summit hall prepared within the Great Hall of the People and took their seats facing each other, the highly anticipated summit between the leaders of the two major global powers finally commenced.

President Xi, who began with the opening remarks, emphasized that the U.S. and China should be 'partners,' not 'rivals.' President Trump responded by expressing gratitude for the hospitality and stated, "The U.S.-China relationship will improve more than ever before."

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, gives a thumbs up [Reuters/Yonhap News]

An unusual scene unfolded at the summit venue that day, with not only top officials from both countries but also prominent U.S. business leaders in attendance.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, who left the Great Hall of the People before the main summit began, responded to reporters' questions about the atmosphere of the meeting by saying it was "excellent" and that "a lot of good things" were happening.

Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, stated, "The meeting went well," and added, "President Xi and President Trump are incredible." Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, responded with a "thumbs up."

The summit, which began around 10:15 a.m., lasted for approximately 135 minutes, concluding around 12:30 p.m. This was about 30 minutes longer than the previous U.S.-China summit held in Busan in late October, which lasted about 100 minutes.

After the summit, President Trump and President Xi took a walk in a park where the Temple of Heaven, an ancient altar where Chinese emperors performed ceremonies to heaven, is located.

The two leaders continued their conversation while strolling through the Temple of Heaven park for about 30 minutes from around 1 p.m., accompanied only by interpreters.

During the walk, President Trump responded to reporters' questions about the summit's outcome by saying it was "excellent." Regarding the Temple of Heaven park, he commented, "It's a wonderful place. It's incredible. China is beautiful."

After finishing the walk at the Temple of Heaven park, President Trump returned to his accommodation in Beijing to handle administrative tasks and rest.

U.S. and Chinese leaders converse during a walk at the Temple of Heaven [AP/Yonhap News]