Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. first lady Melania visit the Forbidden City with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China.
- President Trump is using Twitter in China, where the service is blocked.
- He's reportedly able to use Twitter because his team brought equipment to get around China's internet firewall.
Trump's team brought "special equipment" to China that enables the president to get around the country's internet firewall, according to an unnamed senior White House official speaking with NBC News' Peter Alexander.
It's unclear what type of "special equipment" that's being used; there's a wide variety of hardware and software tools that exist to circumvent internet blockages like the one in China.
Since arriving in China last night, Trump has tweeted once. His latest message was sent on Wednesday morning:
Twitter use is banned in several countries, and users in those countries are outright unable to access the service without using workarounds that are often considered illegal.
On behalf of @FLOTUS Melania and I, THANK YOU for an unforgettable afternoon and evening at the Forbidden City in Beijing, President Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan. We are looking forward to rejoining you tomorrow morning! https://t.co/ma0F7SHbVU
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2017