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.

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.

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.