US President Donald Trump has managed to send a tweet from China - a country that bans Twitter and other foreign social networks. Trump addressed his latest message at about 12pm BST to his host, Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump wrote: "President Xi, thank you for such an incredible welcome ceremony. It was a truly memorable and impressive display!"
He included a clip from ABC News of the ceremonial reception he received outside the Great Hall of the People and a link to an Instagram gallery with more photos.
The President also changed his Twitter banner to a picture of him and Xi and their wives Melania and Peng Liyuan surrounded by Chinese opera performers.
In the coming months and years ahead I look forward to building an even STRONGER relationship between the United States and China. ???? pic.twitter.com/mK3SB7t3EV
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2017
There was much speculation before the visit to the third country on Trump's 11-day Asian tour about whether he would use Twitter. Some wondered if he may stay off his primary medium for addressing his supporters out of respect for China's domestic ban.
But the tweet prompted much discussion on China's state-sanctioned social media sites, like Weibo, with many asking how he was able to do something forbidden for Chinese citizens.
"I guess he must have done it via wifi on a satellite network," said one user.
Many foreigners and overseas visitors attempt to get around the ban by using a virtual private network (VPN), which can sidestep the controls the Chinese authorities impose on the web.
President Xi, thank you for such an incredible welcome ceremony. It was a truly memorable and impressive display! ?https://t.co/J9x51h1LBe pic.twitter.com/g4Z7mO5cV9
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2017
Without one, anyone attempting to access banned sites through China's own networks finds their attempt instantly blocked.
But VPNs are heavily frowned upon in China, with a large department tasked with blocking access to most and laws in place that enable the authorities to arrest or fine those who use them and host them, according to the Cloudwards website.
The massive state apparatus aimed at blocking overseas sites the authorities disapprove of has been dubbed the "Great Firewall" of China.
Looking forward to a full day of meetings with President Xi and our delegations tomorrow. THANK YOU for the beautiful welcome China! @FLOTUS Melania and I will never forget it! pic.twitter.com/sQoUWIGAiQ
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2017
What is more likely is that Trump had access to a diplomatically secure satellite phone which could bypass domestic networks.
The Chinese and US are presenting a united front during Trump's visit, despite several potential points for conflict.
Source: Sky News, New York Post