US law enforcement tightens security for Xi summit as welcome and protest events planned
Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington, starting on Wednesday, US law enforcement agencies have increased security as Chinese diaspora groups organise welcoming events and protest groups plan demonstrations. The US Secret Service, which is leading security for the visit, said it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreign heads of state while they…
US law enforcement is boosting security measures ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington, which begins on Wednesday. Chinese diaspora groups are organizing welcoming events, while protest groups plan demonstrations. The US Secret Service, leading the security efforts, pledged to safeguard foreign heads of state on US soil.
They have been coordinating with Chinese officials and local law enforcement for weeks. Five groups have filed for rallies in Washington, including the Falun Dafa Association of Washington, DC; Tibetan Youth Congress; and the Greater Washington Chinese-American Community. The GWCAC, a charity organization, aims to promote Chinese-American culture and heritage through social and cultural events.
Chinese diaspora groups in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas are also organizing welcoming events for Xi, with various time slots available. The International Campaign for Tibet announced several planned demonstrations, including protests outside the Chinese embassy and a candlelight vigil at Franklin Park. Students for a Free Tibet reported that "thousands of Tibetans, Uygurs, Hongkongers, and other peoples" will protest.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed it is working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. The National Park Service stated that demonstrations on federal land require permits when more than 25 people are expected, but provided no information on planned demonstrations or permit applicants. Protests and welcoming groups' locations remain unclear.
The Secret Service respects the First Amendment right to demonstrate and is prepared to respond to unlawful activity. DC residents and commuters should expect more visible security measures during the visit, especially downtown. The Secret Service stated they will share information about road closures and parking restrictions soon.
Xi's visit runs from September 23 to 25, featuring a state arrival ceremony, White House meetings, a state dinner, and a visit to the National Archives.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
