An unexpected incident reportedly occurred in Beijing during Donald Trump’s visit for talks with Xi Jinping, when American Secret Service agents came into intense confrontation with Chinese security officials inside the Great Hall of the People. According to reports, tension arose when agents from the American presidential security detail attempted to enter a meeting room, with Chinese authorities trying to block them. The episode reportedly escalated quickly, with shouting and pushing in front of diplomats and members of both delegations.
The most serious incident was recorded during the entry of American journalists, which was delayed about half an hour due to disagreement over whether a US Secret Service agent could enter the premises while armed. “What do we need to get out of here?” an American official can be heard saying to his Chinese counterparts in video published by Reuters. Another American representative reportedly said: “If you came with Xi and we told you that you can’t leave with him, then you would understand the problem.”
Tensions escalated further when members of the American delegation repeatedly told the Chinese that they must remain with the president and his entourage, as required by security protocol. Eventually a compromise was reached and the American delegation managed to return to the presidential motorcade.
Memories from Trump’s 2018 Beijing visit
However, this was not the only incident of the day. Earlier, before the bilateral meeting, another confrontation occurred when an American official asked Chinese officials to allow the White House press corps to enter the room before the talks began. Shouting and obvious displeasure from both sides followed.
These scenes brought back memories from Trump’s 2018 Beijing visit, when tension had been caused over the so-called “nuclear football” – the briefcase that always accompanies the American president and contains nuclear attack codes.
Trump’s presence in Beijing under “draconian security measures”
This year’s visit is taking place under draconian security measures, as the US Secret Service is on high alert following previous assassination attempts against Trump and due to the war with Iran, which maintains close relations with China.
For the president’s protection, a specially armored Cadillac worth $1.5 million and weighing approximately 9 tons was transported to Beijing, while there is also a sealed oxygen supply and stored Trump blood for emergencies.
A total of approximately 900 people – including White House staff, cabinet members, Secret Service agents, military personnel and journalists – are accompanying the American president on his visit to China.
