- China helped Iran target U.S. troops using satellite imagery, as revealed earlier this month.
- Trump hosted Xi for a two-day summit in Washington with a lavish welcome that included a 21-gun salute and a B-1 bomber flyover.
- GOP senators expressed concern and dismay over the welcome, with some calling it 'over the top' and urging Trump to confront Xi on national security issues.
- Trump hailed a 'truly great friendship' with Xi, while Xi emphasized that U.S. and Chinese interests 'are deeply intertwined' and announced two pandas for the Atlanta zoo and invitations for 100,000 U.S. students to study in China.
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) called the 21-gun salute and B-1 bomber flyover greeting Xi's arrival 'over the top.'
- Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said he was 'shocked and deeply alarmed' about China aiding Iran and urged Trump to confront Xi rather than fete him.
- Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) hoped Trump would raise U.S. disappointment with Xi and note consequences, while Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said Trump must be 'really strong' with China over national security concerns.
- Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) slammed Xi and suggested Trump should not give him a lavish welcome, while Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) shared concerns about the pomp, saying such receptions should be for 'people who are not plotting our ultimate demise.'
Republican senators are voicing strong concerns over President Trump's lavish reception of Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly in light of recent intelligence indicating that Iran utilized Chinese satellite imagery to target U.S. troops in Jordan.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) described the 21-gun salute and accompanying B-1 bomber flyover as 'over the top,' reflecting a growing unease among GOP lawmakers regarding the implications of such honors amidst escalating tensions with China.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) expressed dissatisfaction with the honors bestowed upon Xi, noting the increasing tensions between the U.S. and China over issues like the war in Iran and Taiwan's independence. He warned of a potential 'axis' alliance forming among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which could pose significant risks to U.S. interests.
In contrast, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the reception, stating that Trump was merely 'reciprocating' the hospitality shown by Xi during his visit to Beijing. Trump emphasized a 'truly great friendship' with Xi at the summit's outset, while Xi highlighted the intertwined interests of both nations.4
However, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) criticized the lavish welcome, urging Trump to confront Xi about China's support for Iran, which he claimed threatens U.S. military personnel. Other senators echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for Trump to address national security concerns directly with Xi during the summit.2
“Sen. John Cornyn warned of an 'axis' alliance of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, while Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he was 'shocked and deeply alarmed' about China aiding Iran. Xi announced two pandas for Atlanta zoo and invitations for 100,000 U.S. students to study in China.”
