Walker calls for cancellation of Chinese president's visit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Scott Walker says President Barack Obama needs to have some "backbone" and cancel a planned official state visit next month by the president of China.

The Wisconsin governor and presidential candidate said Monday the planned visit of Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng) should be canceled in light of the U.S. stock market's tumble, which Walker says was driven by China's manipulation of their economy.

Walker says Obama should hold China accountable for what he calls its "increasing attempts to undermine U.S. interests." Walker cites "massive cyber attacks against America, its militarization of the South China Sea, continued state interference with its economy, and persistent persecution of Christians and human rights activists."

The tough words come as Walker is trying to show more spark to energize his campaign.