Protesters gathered outside the White House during Xi Jinping’s Washington visit, calling for freedom in Tibet and Hong Kong…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Protesters opposing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s policies gathered outside the White House on Thursday as he continued his high profile visit to Washington, chanting slogans including “Free Tibet” and “Free Hong Kong”.
The demonstrators could be heard from the White House’s North Portico, where members of the press were gathered ahead of events involving Xi and US President Donald Trump. Chants included “Free Hong Kong”, “Free Tibet”, “CCP, you’re not welcome” and “Xi Jinping, you’re not welcome”.
The protesters also called for the release of political prisoners, including jailed Hong Kong media publisher and democracy advocate Jimmy Lai.
The White House demonstration was part of a wider series of protests in Washington organised by Tibetan, Uyghur, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, Southern Mongolian and Chinese democracy groups during Xi’s visit. Demonstrators held rallies and marches at several locations across the US capital, including near the Chinese Embassy and in areas around the White House and US Capitol.
Tibetan groups said hundreds of protesters faced restrictions while attempting to reach the area outside the Chinese Embassy. Organisers said they had obtained permits for a gathering of up to 2,000 participants, including permission for amplified sound and a march beginning at 3505 International Drive.
“We secured all the necessary permits and followed every requirement asked of us,” Tibetan Youth Congress President Tsering Chomphel said.
“This is a peaceful gathering. Tibetans came here today to exercise the fundamental right to peacefully protest, and we should be allowed to do so at the location for which we received permission,” he added.
The International Campaign for Tibet said Tibetan protesters faced restrictions while other groups were able to gather near the White House. Capital Area Tibetan Association President Tenzin Norbu said the restrictions had raised concerns over whether other planned demonstrations would be allowed to proceed.
“Tibetans in America should not have to wonder whether pressure, surveillance or intimidation from the Chinese government will restrict their ability to exercise rights guaranteed in this country,” Norbu said.
Ryan Fioresi, executive director of the International Campaign for Tibet, also alleged that Chinese individuals were recording Tibetan protesters during the demonstrations.
“These are Americans. They are Tibetan Americans exercising their rights on American soil, and they have every right to peacefully protest,” Fioresi said.
The protesters called for the release of the 11th Panchen Lama and other Tibetan political prisoners. They also called for renewed dialogue between Chinese authorities and Tibetan representatives and an end to policies they say threaten Tibet’s religious, cultural and linguistic identity.
The protests came as Xi held a state visit to Washington, his first visit to the US capital in more than a decade. Trump hosted Xi at the White House as the two sides sought to manage differences over trade, technology and other issues.
