Protesters demonstrate outside White House during Xi visit
Protesters gathered outside the White House during Xi Jinping’s visit, chanting against him and calling for freedom for Hong Kong and political prisoners. Their shouts were audible as dinner guests arrived, and some protesters were arrested.
Key points
- The demonstration opposed Xi’s visit and included calls for Hong Kong’s freedom and the release or freedom of political prisoners.
Evidence · 3 source statements
"Free Hong Kong," "Xi Jinping you’re not welcome" and "freedom for political prisoners"
Protestors gathered across the Northern portico in Lafeyette Park to stand against the communist leader’s visit, where the two leaders are expected to discuss artificial…
"Free Hong Kong,"
- Wang Dan also raised Taiwan-related demands, saying Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people and its defenses strengthened.
Evidence · 3 source statements
Taiwan's future should be determined by its people.
"The wishes of Taiwan's 23 million people must be respected,"
Taiwan's priority now should be strengthening its defenses.
Who's involved
Protesters
They staged the demonstration outside the White House.
They opposed Xi’s visit and called for Hong Kong’s freedom and freedom for political prisoners.
What they said · 4 source statements
"Free Hong Kong," "Xi Jinping you’re not welcome" and "freedom for political prisoners"
Protestors gathered across the Northern portico in Lafeyette Park to stand against the communist leader’s visit, where the two leaders are expected to discuss artificial…
"Xi Jinping is not welcome"
"Free Hong Kong,"
Wang Dan
He voiced Taiwan-related views during the summit period.
He said Taiwan’s future should be determined by its people, their wishes respected, and Taiwan’s priority should be strengthening its defenses.
What they said · 3 source statements
Taiwan's future should be determined by its people.
"The wishes of Taiwan's 23 million people must be respected,"
Taiwan's priority now should be strengthening its defenses.
What was reported
- Protests took place near the White House during Xi’s visit and the summit.
Reported independently by 2: Daily Jang, Focus Taiwan (CNA)
Evidence · 2 source statements
Meanwhile, Chinese pro-democracy activists and human rights groups staged protests near the White House during the summit.
- Protesters’ shouts were audible during the welcome for Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan and at times drowned out the State Dinner.
One source: Fox News
Evidence · 1 source statement
Audible protests blared over President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump’s welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at the White House Thursday…
- Protesters shouted outside the White House gates as dinner attendees arrived, and some were arrested.
One source: BBC News
Evidence · 1 source statement
Their arrival was marked, however, by protesters loudly shouting from just outside the White House gates, some of whom were arrested.
- Protesters chanted that Xi was not welcome and called for Hong Kong’s freedom.
Reported independently by 2: AFP, Fox News
Evidence · 3 source statements
"Free Hong Kong," "Xi Jinping you’re not welcome" and "freedom for political prisoners"
"Xi Jinping is not welcome"
"Free Hong Kong,"
Still unclear
- The number of protesters arrested is not specified.
Not heard from
- Chinese government — Xi was the target of the demonstration, but no Chinese government response to the protests appears in the reports.
- White House or U.S. authorities — The protests took place outside the White House and some arrests were reported, but no U.S. response appears in the reports.