Washington, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Protesters opposing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s policies gathered outside the White House on Thursday as Xi continued his high-profile visit to Washington, chanting slogans including “Free Hong Kong” and “Free Tibet” and calling for the release of political prisoners.
The demonstrators, whose chants could be heard from the White House’s North Portico, also shouted, “CCP, you’re not welcome” and “Xi Jinping, you’re not welcome”. They specifically called for the release of Jimmy Lai, the jailed Hong Kong media publisher and democracy advocate.
The White House demonstration was part of a wider series of protests organised in Washington by Tibetan, Uyghur, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, Southern Mongolian and Chinese democracy groups during Xi’s visit.
Organisers had planned demonstrations outside the Chinese Embassy, marches through central Washington, a rally at the US Capitol and an evening candlelight vigil at Franklin Park.
Tibetan organisers said hundreds of protesters were prevented from reaching International Drive to demonstrate outside the Chinese Embassy despite obtaining permits for the gathering. They said protesters were stopped at Van Ness Street amid heightened security and road restrictions.
According to the organisers, a permit issued by the Metropolitan Police Department allowed up to 2,000 participants, amplified sound and a march beginning at 3505 International Drive.
“We secured all the necessary permits and followed every requirement asked of us,” Tibetan Youth Congress President Tsering Chomphel said, describing the gathering as peaceful and calling for protesters to be allowed to demonstrate at the permitted location.
The International Campaign for Tibet said other groups were able to gather outside the White House while Tibetan protesters faced restrictions near the Chinese Embassy.
Capital Area Tibetan Association President Tenzin Norbu said the restrictions raised concerns over whether other planned demonstrations and marches would be allowed to proceed. He also alleged that Tibetans in the US were facing pressure, surveillance or intimidation linked to the Chinese government.
Ryan Fioresi, executive director of the International Campaign for Tibet, separately alleged that Chinese individuals were recording Tibetan protesters. He said Tibetan Americans had the right to peacefully demonstrate in the United States and argued that concerns over alleged transnational repression should be taken seriously.
The protesters also called for the release of the 11th Panchen Lama and other Tibetan political prisoners. Their demands included renewed dialogue between Chinese authorities and Tibetan representatives and an end to policies they say undermine Tibet’s religious, cultural and linguistic identity.
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