On September 24, a confrontation occurred outside the White House as Chinese reporters clashed with US Secret Service agents. This incident took place just before President Donald Trump was set to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit. The altercation highlights the heightened tensions between the two nations as they prepare for high-level discussions.
The confrontation brought back memories of Trump’s May 2026 visit to Beijing. The US and China were also working to extend their trade truce until January 10, 2027, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The travelling Chinese press corps pushed into limited camera areas and, according to reports, refused instructions from Secret Service agents to move. Trump later spoke warmly about his relationship with Xi, saying the two leaders had “forged a friendship” and had “made tremendous strides on the issues facing our two countries. Videos from the scene showed journalists arguing with security officials and trying to hold camera positions near the White House. Similar tensions had surfaced during Trump’s May visit to Beijing. The confrontation took place as the White House press pool prepared for Xi Jinping’s arrival . The scene included shouting and physical jostling near White House entrance areas. Telegraph correspondent Connor Stringer described the scene on X: “Chaos ahead of Xi Jinping’s arrival at the White House as the travelling Chinese press corps push and shove their way into position. Lots of shouting and raised voices as they refuse to move for Secret Service. Reuters also published a photograph showing a Secret Service agent redirecting a Chinese official photographer who had initially refused to move. During that trip, Chinese reporters rushed into a bilateral meeting area and knocked down a White House advance staff member, who suffered bruises. There was also a dispute at the Temple of Heaven after Chinese officials refused to let a Secret Service agent enter with his firearm. The disagreement delayed the press pool’s entry. An official pool report from the American Presidency Project recorded that the dispute over the agent’s weapon led to a lengthy discussion before a compromise was reached. American journalists also faced restrictions around movement during the Beijing trip. Despite the White House confrontation, the Trump-Xi summit continued as planned. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, received a formal welcome from Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, including military honors. The talks covered trade, technology and artificial intelligence, while the press dispute stayed a side incident.
The dispute happened shortly before the formal welcome and did not stop the ceremony.
