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Han Li

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington, starting on Wednesday, US law enforcement agencies have increased security as Chinese diaspora groups organise welcoming events and protest groups plan demonstrations.
The US Secret Service, which is leading security for the visit, said it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreign heads of state while they are on US soil.
“Secret Service personnel have been planning for the visit of the Chinese president for several weeks, in coordination with Chinese officials and our federal and local law enforcement partners,” the agency said in a statement.
According to Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), five groups have filed for rallies: the Falun Dafa Association of Washington, DC; Tibetan Youth Congress; the Wei Jingsheng Foundation; Protest the Chinese Government; and the Greater Washington Chinese-American Community.
The Greater Washington Chinese-American Community (GWCAC) is a charity organisation that recently hosted a Chinese cultural festival and street fair near Capitol Hill.


“The primary objective of [GWCAC] is to promote Chinese-American culture and heritage by organising, sponsoring, and coordinating appropriate social and cultural events in the Greater Washington area,” the group says on its website.
On WeChat, Chinese diaspora groups mainly in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area, describing themselves as promoting better US-China friendship, have also been organising welcoming events for Xi, with different time slots available for sign-ups.
The International Campaign for Tibet said several demonstrations have been planned, including protests outside the Chinese embassy and a candlelight vigil at Franklin Park at 5.30pm on September 24.
Students for a Free Tibet posted on social media that “thousands of Tibetans, Uygurs, Hongkongers, and other peoples” will take to the streets.
The MPD did not provide specifics on its operations, tactics, or staffing, but confirmed it is working with local, state and federal law enforcement partners during the visit.
Areas around the White House and the US Capitol include federal land administered by the National Park Service (NPS).
The NPS said demonstrations on NPS-managed land generally require permits when more than 25 people are expected to attend, but did not provide information on any planned demonstrations or permit applicants.
In 2023, when Xi visited San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, clashes between protesters and supporters turned violent and made headlines. It remains unclear where protesters and welcoming groups will gather in Washington.
The Secret Service said it respects the public’s First Amendment right to demonstrate and does not distinguish between groups by message or purpose. It said law enforcement partners are prepared to respond to unlawful activity.
The agency also said DC residents and commuters should anticipate more visible security measures during the visit, particularly downtown. While every effort will be made to minimise disruptions, the public is encouraged to allow additional travel time.
The agency said it will share information about road closures and parking restrictions shortly.
Xi’s visit is scheduled to run from September 23 to 25, with events including a state arrival ceremony on Wednesday; meetings at the White House and a state dinner on Thursday; and a visit to the National Archives on Friday.


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US Secret Service says it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreign heads of state while they are on American soil


US Secret Service says it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreign heads of state while they are on American soil.


US law enforcement tightens security for Xi summit as welcome and protest events planned

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}US Secret Service says it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreign heads of state while they are on American soil

US Secret Service says it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreign heads of state while they are on American soil