Security tensions surfaced on the sidelines of Trump-Xi summit in Beijing

BEIJING: Even as Donald Trump and Xi Jinping publicly highlighted friendly ties during their summit in Beijing, friction emerged behind the scenes between American and Chinese security officials during the US president’s visit.

According to AFP, tensions became visible in several incidents, including a dispute over a US Secret Service agent’s firearm and a scuffle in which a US staffer was injured. The atmosphere of mistrust was also reflected when US officials required staff and journalists travelling with the delegation, including an AFP reporter, to board Air Force One and surrender badges and pins provided by the Chinese side.

AFP reported that those items, along with “burner” phones used by the US delegation, were thrown into a trash can at the bottom of the aircraft stairs. The measures were taken amid heightened concern over surveillance and cybersecurity during the trip.

Clashes over access and security

US officials and journalists covering the summit had been advised to use phones and laptops that could later be wiped or discarded after returning home, AFP said. the summit as one between two powers with a long record of suspicion, despite Xi’s public remarks that the two countries were “partners not rivals”.

One of the most visible confrontations took place during Trump and Xi’s visit to the Temple of Heaven, where Chinese officials blocked US officials and journalists inside a room as the presidential motorcade was preparing to leave.

“We’re in the motorcade with the president. Do you not understand that?”

one journalist said, according to AFP.

“The security of our side does not allow you.”

a Chinese official replied.

AFP said voices were raised before the US group pushed past the Chinese side to reach their vans before the motorcade departed.

“US press, we are going,”

a US official said.

“Be gentle but we are going. Don’t run over anybody, do not do what they did to us.”

That remark appeared to refer to an earlier incident at the Great Hall of the People, where a US staffer fell and had her ankle stepped on while officials from both countries were trying to manage journalists rushing to film the opening of the Trump-Xi talks, AFP reported.

Earlier at the Temple of Heaven, US and Chinese officials had also argued over whether a US Secret Service agent would be permitted to carry his weapon into the site. AFP said the discussion lasted nearly half an hour in the heat on Beijing’s hottest day of the year, with Chinese officials maintaining that the agent could not enter with the firearm.

Reciprocity and mistrust

AFP reported that disagreements extended beyond those incidents, with US and Chinese officials frequently at odds over timing, positioning and what were described as last-minute changes to the schedule.

Both governments often refer to “reciprocity” in their relationship, especially in matters linked to confidence-building steps, but that the principle can also produce tit-for-tat restrictions during official visits.

Xi is due to visit the White House in September, and AFP reported that during the Temple of Heaven confrontation, an official could be heard referring to what would happen on that trip. Both sides are known to mirror restrictions on the number of officials or journalists allowed during return visits.

AFP also cited an example involving a senior US official in President Joe Biden’s administration who was reportedly denied breakfast after their counterpart did not receive a morning meal.

With Trump and Xi expected to meet three more times in 2026, AFP said the strains seen in Beijing suggested a difficult year ahead for their staff even as the two leaders projected cordiality in public.