Clashes erupted between Chinese state media crews and U.S. Secret Service personnel ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s arrival at the White House for talks with President Donald Trump on September 24, 2026. Videos and reports described pushing, shouting, and disputes over camera positions as both U.S. and Chinese media competed for access during the high-profile event.
Secret Service intervention and physical confrontations
Multiple journalists and outlets documented the altercations, which began before Xi’s motorcade arrived. Connor Stringer of The Telegraph posted videos showing Chinese cameramen refusing to move for Secret Service directives, with one stepping on a woman’s feet before being instructed to squat down. Christian Datoc of the Washington Examiner reported that U.S. officials threatened to remove a Chinese official for interfering with official White House camera placements. Mary Margaret Olohan of the Daily Wire noted that while U.S. press is often aggressive, the Chinese press was physically aggressive and refused to comply with staff instructions.
One Chinese photographer climbed onto the tallest ladder reserved for the official White House photographer without permission and was later ordered to descend. Emel Akan of The Epoch Times, present at the scene, described constant arguments between Chinese camera crews and White House wranglers, calling the competition for positions ‘very competitive.’
Protests and counter-protests during Xi’s visit
Separate demonstrations unfolded in Washington, D.C., as pro-Tibetan, Uyghur, and pro-democracy activists gathered to protest Xi’s visit. Organizers reported over 2,000 expected participants, including Hong Kongers, Taiwanese, and Chinese pro-democracy advocates. Pro-Communist counter-protesters allegedly attempted to steal flags, smash banners, and drown out the demonstrators by shouting over them as Xi’s motorcade passed. Security concerns were heightened due to the presence of Chinese nationals in the U.S. traveling to Washington to support Xi, according to reports.
Background and prior incidents
The clashes mirrored a similar dispute during Trump’s May 2026 visit to Beijing, where Chinese media rushed into a bilateral meeting, knocking down a White House staff member. The latest incidents occurred as Trump hosted Xi for trade and defense negotiations, with the White House emphasizing a ‘charm offensive’ during the welcome ceremony. Ivanka Trump and Senator Marco Rubio were among the officials present for the arrival.
Official responses and ongoing concerns
The U.S. Secret Service has not issued an official statement regarding the altercations. Analysts note that transnational activism and counter-protests are becoming increasingly common during high-profile Chinese leader visits abroad, raising questions about security protocols for future events.