Advertisement

‘Nuclear football’ scuffle broke out during Donald Trump’s visit to China

The 'nuclear football' is a briefcase containing the launch codes for a US nuclear strike.

The 'nuclear football' is a briefcase containing the launch codes for a US nuclear strike. Photo: Getty

A scuffle broke out between Chinese and US officials over the “nuclear football” – the briefcase containing the US nuclear launch codes – during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing last year, US media report.

US news website Axios said multiple sources confirmed an incident during which Chinese officials tried to block a military aide with the briefcase from following Mr Trump into the Great Hall of the People, despite the aide being required to stay close to the President at all times.

The report said that when Mr Trump’s chief of staff Mike Kelly attempted to intervene, a Chinese official tried to grab him, prompting a US Secret Service agent to tackle the Chinese official to the ground.

The Secret Service did not initially deny the November incident took place, but in a tweet said reports that a host nation official was “tackled” to the ground were “false”.

The federal law enforcement agency later confirmed an incident had taken place.

“An individual, not part of the official delegation, attempted to prevent one of our protectees from entering a room,” Secret Service spokesman Cody Starken was quoted as saying in a statement to Axios.

“A US Secret Service agent quickly intervened and a short scuffle ensued.

“The individual complied with the agent’s directions and no further action was necessary.”

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also confirmed “a quick scuffle ensued and the individual was detained”, according to Axios.

It is believed at no point did the Chinese have the briefcase in their possession, or even touch it.

The scuffle was over “in a flash” and the chief of the Beijing security detail apologised, Axios reported.

The “nuclear football” is a leather briefcase that contains the codes needed to launch a nuclear strike while away from fixed command centres.

It is carried by a rotating group of military officers near the President whenever he is travelling.

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.