Trump Welcomes Xi as U.S. Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over China

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington received a warmer reception from the White House than from some lawmakers on Capitol Hill, as members of Congress from both parties used the visit to raise concerns about China's policies, Kevin Freking reported for The Associated Press (AP).

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Xi's state visit to Washington. [Photo: The White House]

Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed Xi and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday.

The three-day state visit was expected to cover trade, artificial intelligence, security and other issues.

Lawmakers have taken a critical stance toward China on issues ranging from Taiwan to trade and security. US officials have also accused Beijing of supporting Iran's economy and providing military-related components and intelligence amid the war in the Middle East.

Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the decision to invite Xi for a lavish state visit.

He said he would have advised Trump against extending the invitation and urged the president to raise several security concerns with Xi, including Taiwan and China's treatment of Philippine fishermen and sailors.

Ahead of Xi's visit, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party released a video criticizing Xi's leadership and China's policies. The committee's video described Xi in strongly negative terms, reflecting the broader tensions between Washington and Beijing.