Trump Welcomes Xi as Protesters Rally Outside White House

President Donald Trump warmly welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his state visit, but protesters gathered outside the White House Thursday to voice opposition to Xi's policies. Demonstrators chanted slogans like "Xi Jinping has got to go" near the ceremony. Protesters represented causes including religious autonomy and greater freedoms in Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, waving flags and holding signs near Lafayette Park. Around 200 pro-China supporters also rallied, welcoming Xi with banners and chants outside his hotel. Individual protesters cited personal motivations, such as family histories of fleeing Tibet or opposition to China's COVID-19 lockdowns and religious restrictions. The demonstrations occurred throughout the day, including at the Chinese Embassy and near the White House.