US President Donald Trump and his delegation reportedly discarded all gifts and items received from Chinese officials during their two-day visit to Beijing, following strict American security protocols linked to spying concerns.
According to reports, the US delegation left China without carrying any Chinese-made items on Air Force One. Items such as burner phones, badges, press invitations, souvenirs, and memorabilia handed out during the visit were collected by American security officials and thrown away before boarding the aircraft.
The move was part of long-standing US security procedures aimed at preventing possible surveillance or tracking attempts. White House security staff and the US Secret Service reportedly enforced a strict rule that no Chinese-origin item would be allowed on the presidential aircraft.
Emily Goodin, White House Correspondent for the New York Post, stated that all items distributed by Chinese officials were removed and discarded near the aircraft stairs before departure.
The incident once again highlighted ongoing tensions between the United States and China over cybersecurity and espionage concerns. During the visit, President Trump openly acknowledged that both countries spy on each other when asked about cyberattacks linked to China.
As part of the security measures, Trump and members of his delegation reportedly left their personal electronic devices in the United States before travelling to Beijing. Their mobile phones were stored inside Faraday bags on Air Force One to block wireless signals, GPS tracking, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID access.
The delegation used only temporary “burner phones” and limited-use email accounts during the trip to reduce cybersecurity risks. Reports also claimed that business leaders including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang followed similar precautions during the visit.
Despite public displays of friendship between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, tensions reportedly surfaced behind the scenes. American and Chinese officials allegedly clashed over security arrangements during events in Beijing.
A reported dispute took place at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven after a US Secret Service agent carrying a firearm was allegedly denied entry by Chinese officials, leading to a tense standoff.
Another incident reportedly occurred ahead of a bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi, where a White House aide was allegedly injured during a crowd rush involving Chinese media personnel. Although the staffer was not seriously hurt, reports said the incident left members of the US delegation frustrated.
Trump’s first China visit during his second presidential term ended without major breakthroughs on key issues such as trade and rare earth agreements, although discussions on soybeans and Boeing aircraft deals reportedly took place.
