China has invited White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia to visit the country “more often” after she claimed that China lacked “proper toilets”.
The exchange comes amid years of fierce rivalry between the United States and China over global issues, including trade, technology, Taiwan and human rights. Zacharia’s remarks have added an unusual twist to tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Zacharia, who previously lived in China and is scheduled to visit Beijing next month, recalled a 2016 interview discussing perceptions that China would soon overtake the United States.
“I remember this very clearly, just having returned from China and thinking, how is China going to be the next superpower? They don’t even have proper toilets,” she told right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec.
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry suggested that Zacharia might benefit from another visit to the country.
“We welcome her to visit China more often when she has the opportunity,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters, holding back a smile.
US President Donald Trump has frequently spoken of his “great relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he has met twice this year.
Despite their meetings, relations between the two countries remain strained over a range of longstanding disputes.
