Amid the high-stakes China summit, tensions have reportedly flared up as the focus remains on the leaders of the US and China.
President Trump and Xi Jinping engaged in talks covering contentious topics such as the Iran conflict, trade, technology, and Taiwan.
During a state banquet, Trump highlighted the “deep sense of mutual respect” between the US and China, but off-stage relations between the two nations seem to be deteriorating as the visit progresses.
Described as a “s***show,” the trip encountered a reported standoff and a White House staffer being trampled by a group of Chinese journalists backstage.
An incident occurred when Chinese press members barged into Trump’s meeting with President Xi, causing chaos and resulting in the staffer’s injury, though not severe.
Reports suggest that members of Trump’s Secret Service also faced off with Chinese officials after being denied entry to a historic Beijing temple due to a firearm carried by one of the agents.
A journalist described the tense standoff during Trump’s initial day of the state visit, causing delays in the proceedings.
As per the White House press pool, a security agent accompanying reporters was stopped by Chinese security from entering the temple compound because of the firearm, leading to a dispute that delayed the press corps’ entry as US and Chinese officials engaged in a heated debate.
While being held in a waiting room, an American reporter shouted for permission to proceed, with Chinese officials then reportedly chasing the US delegation to reach Trump’s convoy.
The behind-the-scenes dramas of the trip have contrasted with the public interactions between the leaders, with the standoff occurring as Xi and Trump peacefully toured the historic temple.
Despite the cordial appearances, Xi cautioned about potential conflicts between the nations, stating that mishandling issues could lead to clashes or even full-blown conflict, posing a grave threat to the overall China-US relationship.
