By Lamiel Side News | China
China has invited former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia to visit the country again after she claimed that China did not have “proper toilets” during a recent interview.
The comments prompted a response from China’s Foreign Ministry and drew criticism on Chinese social media. The controversy came as Zacharia faced growing scrutiny during her brief time as White House press secretary under US President Donald Trump.
What Did Katie Zacharia Say About China?
During an interview with conservative commentator Jack Posobiec, Zacharia recalled perceptions surrounding China’s growing influence ahead of the 2016 US presidential election.
She argued that some people had viewed China as a rising global power at a time when they believed America’s strongest years were behind it.
However, referring to her experience in China, she said: “They don’t even have proper toilets.”
Her remarks attracted attention because China has undergone significant economic and infrastructure development over recent decades, although living standards and public facilities can still vary between major cities and less-developed rural areas.
China Responds to the Remarks
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to the comments during a press briefing on October 16, 2026.
Mao said Zacharia was welcome to visit China more often when she had the opportunity.
Her response was widely interpreted as a pointed reply to the former press secretary’s remarks.
According to the original report, reactions on Chinese social media platform Weibo were mixed. Some users criticised Zacharia’s comments, while others acknowledged that certain public toilets had faced sanitation and maintenance challenges in the past.
China’s Development and Infrastructure
Since launching economic reforms and opening up to international trade in the late 1970s, China has experienced extensive economic growth and urban development.
The country has become the world’s second-largest economy, while hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of poverty over several decades.
Nevertheless, development has not been uniform. Differences in infrastructure and access to public services remain between some urban centres and rural or remote communities.
The broader picture is more complex than a general claim about the availability or quality of toilets across the country.
Why Was Zacharia Removed From Her White House Role?
The controversy emerged during a turbulent week for Zacharia, whose appointment as White House press secretary lasted less than a week.
Reports from US media outlets said she was removed from the position on October 16 after facing criticism over her performance in press briefings and questions about her legal credentials.
Zacharia had described herself as having practised international transactional law and listed work experience at Zhong Lun, a major Chinese law firm in Beijing, beginning in 2011.
Questions subsequently emerged about her professional qualifications. Reuters reported that it found no records showing she had been admitted to the bar in any US state or the District of Columbia. Zacharia acknowledged that she had not passed the California bar examination.
The scrutiny surrounding her qualifications and her short tenure became separate issues from the remarks about China, although both contributed to the media attention surrounding her appointment.
What Happens Next?
China’s invitation has added another chapter to the controversy surrounding Zacharia’s brief time in the White House.
The exchange also highlights how comments by senior political figures can attract international attention, particularly when they concern relations between major economic powers.
There was no indication in the cited reporting that Zacharia had accepted China’s invitation or announced plans for another visit.
Editorial note: This article is based on reporting from CNN, Reuters and other news organisations. Statements and disputed claims are attributed to their respective sources.
Sources
1. CNN / KESQ — China invites Katie Zacharia to visit again after she claims nation lacks ‘proper toilets’
https://kesq.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2026/10/16/china-invites-katie-zacharia-to-visit-again-after-she-claims-nation-lacks-proper-toilets/
2. Reuters — White House press secretary Zacharia fired in less than a week after facing criticism
https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-says-zacharia-should-reconsider-white-house-spokeswoman-role-2026-10-16/
3. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on October 16, 2026
https://chicago.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/fyrth/202610/t20261016_12041993.htm
4. Agence France-Presse (AFP) — China tells Trump’s press secretary to visit ‘more often’ after toilet comments
https://www.afp.com/en/china-tells-trumps-press-secretary-visit-more-often-after-toilet-comments
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