GOP Senators Criticize Trump's Lavish Welcome for China's Xi Jinping

President Donald Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping has drawn criticism from some Republican senators who object to the lavish welcome afforded to the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated that he would have advised against inviting Xi Jinping for such a reception in the United States, citing numerous issues with Xi and the CCP. The meeting, which began Wednesday afternoon, marked the first time a president has greeted a foreign dignitary at Joint Base Andrews since 2015.

This sentiment contrasts with the Republican party's recent messaging at their midterm convention, where the rallying cry was "Common sense versus communism." Some senators feel the optics of the summit with Xi undermine this stance.

Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., noted that Trump campaigned on an anti-China policy, a message that resonated with his supporters. "Any time we roll out the red carpet for a despot from Russia, or a despot from China, I feel the same way," Tillis said. "It's kind of not good."

Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, expressed a lack of enthusiasm for the summit, characterizing China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea as an "axis opposed" to the U.S. He hoped the president was "clear-eyed about who he's dealing with," adding that dictators are "no friend."

However, some Republicans acknowledge the potential value in direct dialogue. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., believes there is merit in talking with adversaries, particularly given the symbiotic relationship between the world's two largest economies. Senator Steve Daines, R-Mont., who attended a dinner following the summit, understood his colleagues' reservations but emphasized the importance of the U.S.-China relationship and the personal connection between Trump and Xi. Daines pointed out that China had shown Trump great respect during his visit to Beijing in May.

Senator Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., acknowledged Trump's skill in personal diplomacy but expressed personal discomfort with the situation, ultimately trusting the president's judgment. "He's in the business. So I don't, again, I'm not gonna second guess it," Cramer said.

Anticipated outcomes from the two-and-a-half-day summit included potential deals on the artificial intelligence race and trade, aiming to end the ongoing trade war. There was also hope that Xi would use his influence to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially facilitating oil and natural gas flow.

President Trump remained guarded about the specifics of his bilateral meeting with Xi. Initial outcomes reported included China's promise of two new pandas and discussions about allowing Chinese electric vehicles to be built in the U.S.

Senator John Kennedy, R-La., while not objecting to the meeting itself, urged Trump to be discerning. "I just suggested, and I don't think he will — the president's a pretty good judge of character — not to believe President Xi’s bulls---, because he's lying. Particularly about helping Iran, and Xi could get the Strait open immediately if he wanted," Kennedy told Fox News Digital.