The briefcase is supposed to be close to the president at all times. Chief of Staff John Kelly, after hearing about the incident, rushed over and told U.S. officials to keep walking, Axios said. That resulted in a commotion between the Americans and the Chinese.

"A Chinese security official grabbed Kelly, and Kelly shoved the man's hand off of his body. Then General Mattis grabbed the Chinese security official and tackled him to the ground," according to the report.

The news outlet reported the scuffle was over "in a flash" and the Chinese never touched the briefcase. The chief of the Beijing security detail apologized, Axios said.