The Chinese soldier who went viral for remaining completely still as the US presidential aircraft, Air Force One, taxied nearby during a recent visit to China by Donald Trump, has spoken about the rigours of his job.

Liu Zhencheng, 23, who serves in the Beijing Armed Police Corps, was on duty when the US delegation touched down in Beijing.

The armed police follow the rules of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), receive the same treatment as the PLA and obey the leadership of the Central Military Commission like the PLA.

“If I said I was not nervous at that time, it would not be true,” Liu, whose rank was not given, told Beijing Daily.

“The aircraft was about 15-20 metres away from me. The roaring of its engines hurt my ears and the heatwave it made pushed my back. But I knew I should not make any move.”