Huge embarrassment for Trump as Xi’s security stops US officials before high-stakes Beijing meeting

Security drama overshadowed parts of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing after multiple members of the U.S. delegation were reportedly stopped by Chinese guards during tightly controlled events. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was briefly blocked from entering the Great Hall of the People over badge clearance issues, while another tense standoff erupted at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven over reports that a U.S. Secret Service agent was carrying a firearm. The dispute allegedly delayed the American delegation and media pool for nearly 30 minutes before both sides reached a compromise. The incidents added unexpected friction to an already high-stakes Trump-Xi meeting dominated by Taiwan and security tensions.