Protests Erupt Outside White House During Xi Jinping’s Visit

Numerous human rights advocates gathered outside the White House while President Donald Trump hosted a state dinner for Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Their chants of “Free Hong Kong” and “Freedom for political prisoners” echoed loudly enough to be heard from inside the venue.

Groups organizing the protests, which included Tibetan and Uyghur activists, planned various events throughout Washington to align with Xi’s arrival. Some pro-Communist supporters appeared at the demonstrations, leading to physical confrontations with the human rights activists at several locations.

The gathering in Lafayette Park on Thursday evening was particularly vocal, making their presence felt even over the sounds of the Marine Corps band playing at the dinner.

“I hope Emperor Xi won’t remain in power. I hope he can give Chinese people real freedom – freedom of speech and religion,” one protester expressed to a media outlet.

Alongside Tibetan and Uyghur groups, protesters from Hong Kong voiced their opposition to China’s authoritarian governance of the island. They held signs bearing the slogan from the 2019 pro-democracy movement, “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times.” In 2020, the Hong Kong government, under Beijing’s direction, stifled the movement by enacting a “national security law” that criminalized nearly all forms of dissent against the Chinese Communist Party.

Other chants included “Xi Jinping, You’re Not Welcome,” “Free Hong Kong,” “Keep Taiwan Free,” and “China Sponsors Genocide.”

The expressions of dissent extended beyond just words on signs; one group added an unusual element by energetically attacking a dummy representing Xi, which bore the words “FREE PUNCH” on its shirt.

Some activists donned Winnie-the-Pooh costumes to satirize Xi, who once banned the character’s images in China after comparisons were made between him and the fictional bear. A Pooh head was raised above protesters, emphasizing their demands for freedom for Tibet, Hong Kong, the Uyghurs, and imprisoned pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai.

Reports indicate that China’s oppressive measures remain firmly in place. One Chinese citizen participating in the protests shared his experience of being harassed by police for posting unpopular views on social media platforms, like WeChat.

“They will arrest you. You have no freedom,” he remarked, discussing the risks faced by dissidents in China. He added that those who voice opposition online are threatened with repercussions for their families.