GOP Senator Wicker Criticizes Trump's 'Lavish Welcome' for Xi Jinping

Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has voiced strong disapproval of President Donald Trump's preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Washington. Wicker took to the Senate floor on Tuesday to criticize the "lavish welcome" planned for Xi, describing him as a "brutal, unelected and oppressive dictator" whose military ambitions are directed at the United States.

Wicker stated that he would have advised against inviting Xi to Washington for such an elaborate reception. The White House's plans include President Trump personally greeting Xi upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, a formal State Arrival Ceremony involving 479 members of the U.S. military from all branches, and a state dinner hosted by the Trumps for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan. The ceremony is set to feature a presidential salute, a military review, and a flyover by a B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptors.

The Mississippi Republican highlighted concerns about China's military buildup, its treatment of political prisoners and Uyghurs, and its alleged interference in other nations' affairs. Xi's visit, scheduled from September 23 to September 25, occurs amidst ongoing disputes between Washington and Beijing on trade, technology, military competition, and Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, according to Reuters, stated that China is willing to work with the U.S. to strengthen dialogue and cooperation. Wicker's intervention underscores a division within the Republican party regarding the ceremonial prestige afforded to Xi.