Senate Republican Wicker condemns Trump's lavish welcome for China's Xi
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) sharply criticized President Donald Trump on Tuesday for hosting Chinese leader Xi Jinping with a lavish state visit, calling Xi a "brutal, unelected and oppressive dictator." Wicker said he would have advised against inviting Xi for such a grand welcome, citing China's military buildup, political prisoners, and alleged interference in global affairs, as well as the treatment of Uyghurs in camps. Xi's visit, his first state trip to Washington since 2015, runs Wednesday through Friday. Trump plans to personally greet Xi at Joint Base Andrews, with a full ceremonial welcome including 479 military personnel. Beijing says the talks will cover bilateral relations and world peace, aiming to manage differences and enhance cooperation.