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Has ‘the Beast’ arrived in Beijing? Trump’s motorcade SUVs spotted before visit

Has ‘the Beast’ arrived in Beijing? Trump’s motorcade SUVs spotted before visit

From South China Morning Post · (10m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • SUVs belonging to the US presidential motorcade, including the heavily armored "The Beast," were spotted in Beijing.
  • The vehicles arrived via US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft, signaling an intense security buildup for the upcoming China-US summit.
  • The presence of the motorcade's vehicles has sparked online discussion and jokes among Chinese social media users.

The arrival of President Trump's motorcade vehicles in Beijing, including the iconic "Beast," signals the commencement of a significant security operation for the upcoming China-US summit. Images of these heavily armored SUVs, delivered by US Air Force C-17s, have circulated widely on Chinese social media, generating considerable buzz and even some lighthearted commentary.

While Western media focuses on the diplomatic implications of the summit, the sight of these formidable vehicles on Beijing's streets offers a unique local perspective. For many here, it's a tangible manifestation of the immense logistical and security apparatus that accompanies a US presidential visit. The online jokes about vehicle permits, while humorous, also touch upon the practicalities of navigating such high-profile events within the urban landscape.

The presence of these vehicles is more than just a security measure; it's a visual cue of the high stakes involved in the US-China relationship. The South China Morning Post, as a publication deeply embedded in the region, understands the local fascination and the underlying significance of these displays. It's a reminder of the complex dynamics at play, where global diplomacy meets the everyday reality of a major international city preparing for a momentous visit.

Did the foreign cars get an entry permit?

— Social Media UserA humorous online comment reacting to the presence of US government vehicles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.