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

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.