Chinese photographers were seen pushing and shoving with US special service officials moments before Donald Trump welcomed Xi Jinping to the White House. The US President gave his Chinese counterpart a lavish reception, which included the rare honour of greeting his plane in Washington ahead of a visit to the White House.
But there were no pleasantries behind the scenes as temperatures rose with journalists jostling for position by the White House lawn. A clip showed how US officials had to push Chinese media behind a barrier. There are reports that White House officials threatened to remove one Chinese official for attempting to interfere with the US live feed.
Clash over camera positions
The argument appeared to centre on where foreign and domestic press could stage their cameras before Trump and Xi came out onto the lawn, with lots of shouting. The scenes were similar to the awkward exchange between US and Chinese security teams during Trump's visit in May, which seemed to be down to a language barrier.
Meanwhile, there were also protests in the street. “Down with Xi Jinping,” chanted those condemning Beijing’s brutal policy in Tibet. Another group had gathered about a block away with banners welcoming the Chinese leader.
Lavish welcome on the South Lawn
To the blare of trumpets, Trump and first lady Melania Trump later walked out of the White House residence onto the South Lawn, where they were to greet Xi and Madame Peng. China’s leader and his spouse walked out of a black vehicle, where they warmly shook hands with the Trumps. Then the four posed for the cameras before going into the White House.
From inside, Trump commented on how the pair had “forged a friendship” over the past decade and “made tremendous strides on the issues facing our two countries”. He continued: “Just as our ancestors reached across the ocean centuries ago to trade, to learn, and to build a better world, our two countries do really the same thing, and we’re very proud of it and the relationship.”
Military review and criticism
As part of the pomp and ceremony, Trump and Xi participated in a military review in the Rose Garden. With military band members positioned on the roof of the West Wing, the two leaders and their spouses watched as other musicians dressed in colonial wear and white wigs played. The military review is a customary feature of state visits at the White House, but it’s usually done on the South Lawn. Before they stepped out onto the Rose Garden for the review, Trump and Xi walked along the colonnade in front of the presidential “walk of fame,” where portraits of all US presidents are displayed.
Trump’s decision to roll out the red carpet for Xi has spurred criticism from lawmakers in both parties and some White House allies. “Quite frankly, had the White House asked me for advice, I would have suggested the president not invite Xi Jinping to Washington for such a lavish welcome here in the United States of America based on all of the troubling issues we have with President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.
