August M
A confrontation reportedly broke out between U.S. Secret Service personnel and Chinese officials during Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing after an armed American agent was denied access to a historic site.
According to reports from journalists travelling with the president, the dispute unfolded at the Temple of Heaven on the first full day of Trump’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the Express.
Security dispute
The Express, citing pool reports from Beijing, said tensions rose after Chinese authorities objected to a Secret Service agent carrying a firearm inside the landmark complex.
Journalist Steven Portnoy described the exchange as an “increasingly intense discussion” between American and Chinese officials.
Pool reporter Jonathan Karl later reported that members of the travelling press were temporarily held in a side room while officials argued over movement inside the site.
Compromise reached
According to the travelling press pool, both sides eventually reached a compromise, although no details of the arrangement were publicly disclosed.
Kemp also reported that reporters and U.S. staff were delayed again after Trump left the temple.
He said Chinese officials repeatedly attempted to prevent journalists and staff from rejoining the presidential motorcade before another agreement was reached.
Heavy security
The Daily Beast previously reported that extensive security measures had been introduced across Beijing during Trump’s two-day visit.
Reports said dozens of flights at Beijing Capital International Airport were cancelled ahead of the president’s arrival.
According to The New York Times, hotels near the U.S. embassy, including the Four Seasons where Trump was staying, showed no room availability during the visit.
Dinner speculation
The incident came hours before a state dinner attended by Trump and Xi.
During the event, Trump was seen raising a toast before briefly sipping a sparkling drink, grimacing and handing the glass to a server while saying, “Thank you.”
The moment quickly spread across social media, where some users speculated about the drink and security procedures surrounding the president, although others dismissed the claims and said the toast was simply diplomatic protocol.
Sources: The Express, The Daily Beast, The New York Times
