Protesters Demonstrate Against Chinese Communism During Xi’s State Dinner
Hundreds of activists gathered outside the White House during Xi Jinping’s state dinner, chanting for freedom and human rights.
2 min read
During President Donald Trump’s state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, hundreds of human rights protesters gathered outside the White House, chanting slogans such as “Free Hong Kong” and “Freedom for political prisoners.” The demonstrations, which were loud enough to be heard inside the building, were organized by groups including Tibetan and Uyghur activists, as well as Hong Kong protesters.
Protests Mark Xi’s Arrival in Washington
The event took place in Lafayette Park near the White House on Thursday evening, where the crowd’s chants were audible over the music provided by the Marine Corps band. Pro-Communist demonstrators also joined the protests, leading to physical clashes with the human rights protesters at some events.
One protester expressed hope that Xi would relinquish power and provide the Chinese people with real freedom, including freedom of speech and religion. Hong Kong protesters, in particular, rallied against China’s authoritarian control, raising the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” which was a key phrase from the 2019 pro-democracy uprising. The Beijing-controlled Hong Kong government later imposed a national security law in 2020, criminalizing nearly all criticism of the Chinese Communist Party.
Protesters Use Creative Methods to Express Opposition
Protesters used a variety of methods to express their opposition to Xi. One group engaged in a vigorous aerobic exercise session, slapping, punching, stomping, and clubbing a dummy of Xi, which had “FREE PUNCH” written on its shirt. Others wore Winnie-the-Pooh costumes to mock Xi, referencing the fact that the fictional bear was partially banned in China after people noticed similarities between Xi and the character.
A Pooh head was hoisted above marchers on a pole as they demanded freedom for Tibet, Hong Kong, the Uyghurs, and imprisoned pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai. Meanwhile, China’s machinery of repression was evident as one activist, a Chinese citizen, described being harassed by police for posting “the wrong thing” on social media platforms like WeChat.
He warned that dissidents in China face severe consequences, including the risk of arrest for themselves and their families. “They will arrest you. You have no freedom,” he said, highlighting the dangers faced by those who speak out against the regime.
Source: Breitbart
