President Donald Trump's three-day summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared seamless on the surface, marked by lavish, tightly choreographed ceremonies and public expressions of mutual interest in strengthening ties. Behind the scenes, however, tensions erupted between Chinese officials, the U.S. Secret Service, and American journalists, according to Fox News reporter Peter Doocy.
Physical Standoff at the Temple of Heaven
Doocy, the network's White House correspondent, revealed in a series of interviews that 'heated and physical clashes' occurred on the periphery of Trump and Xi's bilateral discussions. Speaking to Fox News host Martha McCallum, Doocy detailed a 'very physical standoff' between Chinese police and Secret Service personnel at the backdoors of one event. A Secret Service officer was prevented from taking his weapon into a venue as part of the protective detail. Doocy added that 'things have all been ironed out and as far as we know.'
The incident took place near the Temple of Heaven, a 15th-century complex that Trump toured with Xi, according to a White House press pool report. AFP's Danny Kemp noted that American press were temporarily blocked from accessing the temple by Chinese security officials. Chinese security initially refused a Secret Service agent accompanying the pool access because he was armed. The pool's entry was delayed by nearly half an hour due to a lengthy and intense discussion between US and Chinese officials.
Journalists Caught in Chaos
In a video of the incident, one journalist complained they were 'missing history happening out there because you have us locked in this room.' A compromise was eventually found. Doocy also experienced the chaos first-hand. He was ordered onto a bus that immediately left with no one else except him and a driver who did not understand he wanted to get off. After lots of shouting and pointing, he eventually reached his destination.
White House Aide Trampled by Chinese Reporters
The White House itself was caught in the melee. An unidentified White House aide was trampled by Chinese reporters during one of Trump's sit-downs with Xi, according to The New York Post. The staffer was left shaken and bruised but not seriously injured. The incident, captured on camera, left some U.S. delegation members upset, with one American calling it a 's*** show.'
Security Precautions Before Departure
Despite Trump and Xi's expressed desire to improve relations, the U.S. delegation's security precautions before leaving Beijing underscored ongoing tensions. Before taking off on Air Force One, US staff collected all badges and pins issued by China from reporters, along with their burner phones, and placed them in a bin.
The Independent has contacted the White House and the Secret Service for comment.
