Protesters hang anti-Chinese government banners in Washington ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, protesters climbed a lamppost on Pennsylvania Avenue today to hang banners protesting the Chinese government. Thousands of protesters are expected to gather in the U.S. capital this week.

According to the Associated Press, President Trump is set to host President Xi in Washington this week amidst escalating economic and technological rivalry between the two nations. While both leaders aim to stabilize their fragile bilateral relationship, no major agreements are anticipated. Nevertheless, given the existing rifts and lack of mutual trust between the U.S. and China, the summit itself holds significant importance.

Early this morning, a student activist climbed a lamppost on Pennsylvania Avenue—located four blocks from the U.S. Capitol—in the rain to display banners protesting the Chinese government.

Organizers stated that the action was intended to signal to President Xi that he is “unwelcome” before his arrival in Washington tomorrow.

One banner read: “Dictator Xi Jinping, your empire will fall; Free Tibet.” Another slogan stated: “Dictator Xi Jinping: You are not welcome.”

The protester was subsequently taken away by police.