President Donald Trump holds high-profile summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday was mired in multiple behind-the-scenes confrontations. The New York Post, citing sources, reported that tempers were running high, especially after a White House aide was “trampled” before a press conference.
The publication noted that the aide was allegedly knocked out by Chinese media personnel. Just hours later, Secret Service agents were denied access to a secure location and American journalists were blocked from joining the president’s motorcade.
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One of the earliest clashes reportedly occurred during a bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, when a large group of Chinese journalists burst into the room.
The crowd knocked down a White House advance guard and then trampled on her during the chaotic scenes, The Washington Post reported. The aide was bruised and shaking but was not seriously injured.
The incident reportedly sparked immediate outrage among members of the U.S. delegation, who confronted Chinese officials over the act of aggression.
Another tense confrontation broke out at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven after Chinese authorities allegedly refused to allow armed Secret Service agents into a secure area accompanying the president’s press conference.
Chinese officials reportedly objected to the agent carrying a gun, despite this being standard protocol for protective details.
After about 30 minutes of bickering and delay, another released Secret Service officer was brought in to escort reporters while the original agent stayed behind.
After a protracted dispute, Trump and Xi ended up arriving late to the temple.
Tensions reportedly escalated after the temple tour. After Trump and Xi briefly posed for photos, U.S. reporters were escorted to the waiting room and prevented from immediately rejoining the president’s motorcade.
When reporters tried to leave, Chinese officials allegedly blocked their exit. At one point, amid the chants of “we have to go,” a White House official told Chinese personnel that the Trump administration would never treat visiting Chinese media in the same way under reverse circumstances.
Finally, as Trump was already sitting in the motorcade waiting for the press conference, a White House aide reportedly announced: “We’re leaving.” Then, American staff and reporters pushed past officials and rushed across the temple grounds toward the motorcade.
Another group of Chinese personnel allegedly tried to stop them by physically blocking their path, but the American contingent eventually reached the convoy.
According to reports, even as temperatures in Beijing climbed above 80 degrees, American journalists still faced bathroom restrictions, water bottles confiscated and tight supervision during their visits.
The summit was also held under strict security conditions, with visible surveillance systems reportedly spread throughout the Chinese capital.
Trump administration officials, staff and reporters were advised to use burner phones and temporary email accounts during the two-day visit to guard against cyber threats, the report said.
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