Trump's Delegation Discards All Gifts from China – Why?
A group accompanying Donald Trump discarded all gifts received from China before boarding Air Force One for their return to Washington.
According to The Daily Express, this occurred shortly before the US delegation departed from China. Items previously given to the group, including media personnel, were collected and thrown into a bin beneath the aircraft’s stairs.
The New York Post journalist, Emily Goodin, shared this information on social media platform X. She stated that the discarded items included identification cards, disposable mobile phones, and delegation badges.
“US staff took all the gifts given by Chinese officials – ID cards, disposable phones from White House staff, delegation badges – collected them before we boarded AF1 (Air Force One) and threw them in a bin under the stairs,” Goodin wrote. “No items from China were allowed on the plane. We are about to depart for America.”
This incident took place at the end of Trump’s visit to China, which also included a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Zhongnanhai presidential complex.
During their final meeting before Trump’s return to the United States, the two leaders were seen walking together in a garden filled with ancient trees and traditional Chinese roses. The meeting continued with tea and lunch.
Trump and Xi, accompanied by aides and interpreters, reportedly discussed issues for nearly three hours.
“These have been truly remarkable days,” Trump told reporters.
Behind the diplomatic atmosphere, sensitive discussions regarding Taiwan were also a major focus. According to Chinese government officials, Xi warned Trump that differences of opinion on Taiwan could lead to conflict if not properly addressed.
Xi reportedly stated that the issue of Taiwan has the potential to push the world’s two largest powers towards “confrontation and even conflict.”
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that US policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. In an interview with NBC News, Rubio also warned that it would be a “major mistake” if China were to attempt to seize Taiwan by force. He said Xi’s statements about Taiwan are part of standard Chinese diplomatic practice.