Tensions flared between dueling protest groups awaiting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in San Francisco on Tuesday ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Critics of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), crossed paths with supporters of China who had gathered in a courtyard across from the St. Regis hotel on Third Street, where Xi is expected to arrive after 4 p.m.
The two groups erupted in a screaming match around noon before two San Francisco police officers arrived at the scene and tried to de-escalate the situation.
About six people gathered to protest Xi’s arrival, citing human rights abuses and the demolition of their property in China.
“The Chinese government is a liar,” yelled one protester, Wang Cun Yan.
Many of the demonstrators spoke little English. On the pro-China side, groups such as the Chinese Anti-Cult World Alliance and the American Chinese Commerce Association were in attendance.
John Chan, chairman of the American Chinese Commerce Association, said he came to support China's president. He said he hopes U.S. President Joe Biden and Xi can agree on terms to promote peace in the Middle East and elsewhere.
“The problems between both countries have become more tight. It’s a good time to start again better,” Chan said, according to his assistant, who acted as a translator.
As counter-protesters began to gather on the sidewalk below the plaza, Chan led a group of people waving Chinese flags to deafen the cries of people who claimed their relatives had been wronged by the Chinese government.
“CCP KILLED MY FATHER DEMOLTION MY HOUSE,” one sign read in all capital letters.
Chan and others gathered around a man named Danny, who said he was merely taking photos of the event.
Around 1 p.m., San Francisco police placed physical boundaries between the two groups.
World leaders convene at APEC annually to promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region, hosting several meetings throughout the year. This year, San Francisco is the setting for APEC’s final and largest meetings for its Economic Leaders’ Week, held through Friday at the Moscone Center.