Senator Criticizes Planned State Dinner for China’s Xi Jinping

Senator Roger Wicker, a Republican and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has voiced his disagreement with the planned state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to Wicker, the reception scheduled for Thursday at the White House provides an overly generous welcome to Xi, whom he considers an oppressive dictator.

Senator Wicker expressed his concerns publicly on the Senate floor. He stated his wish that President Donald Trump would reconsider hosting the Chinese leader for a summit this week. Wicker’s comments underscore a tension within the government’s handling of diplomatic relations with China.

This dinner is part of broader engagements with China, which includes discussions on various bilateral issues. Despite the planned formalities, some U.S. lawmakers remain critical, reflecting ongoing debates about how to address China’s policies and influence.