China invites Trump press secretary Katie Zacharia to visit after ‘proper toilets’ slur

Beijing has extended an invitation for White House press secretary Katie Zacharia to visit China more frequently following her remark that the country "doesn't even have proper toilets". The comment, made in an interview with conservative commentator Jack Posobiec, has sparked controversy. Zacharia made the remarks while discussing the perception that the "glory days of the US were over and China was on the horizon".

When confronted about her comments, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that they welcome her to visit China more often when the opportunity arises. Zacharia, who previously lived in China with her husband, has a background in law in China, having worked at Zhong Lun Law Firm from 2011 to 2013. However, she faced scrutiny over her legal credentials after stating she had passed a bar exam "when I moved to China", without specifying the jurisdiction.

The White House has defended her, stating she is "unique qualified and whip smart". Zacharia later acknowledged she had taken the California bar exam after graduating from Pepperdine University's law school in 2011, but did not pass. Her comments on Chinese toilets contrast with the warm stance the Trump administration has taken towards China, particularly with President Xi Jinping.

Trump hosted Xi in Washington last month, and the two leaders met multiple times during his state visit to China in May. The two sides also signed a pledge to build a "constructive relationship of strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness and reciprocity" after their meeting in Washington.