United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier this week. From military communications to the economy, both leaders exchanged views on a variety of topics in their first face-to-face talks in a year.&nbsp;Biden went a little bit off script as he said that he still considered Xi a "dictator". But more than the comment, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's reaction to the statement is going viral.&nbsp;

In a video, Blinken was seen wincing at Biden's "dictator" remarks. It looks as if he was in disagreement with the US president's take on the Chinese leader.&nbsp;

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Biden was addressing the press when he was asked if he would still refer to Xi as a "dictator", which is a word he had used earlier this year.&nbsp;

He was speaking soon after a rare summit with Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet in&nbsp;San Fransisco.&nbsp;

When presented with the above question about whether or not Xi is a dictator, the president said, "Well, look he is".&nbsp;

The US president said, "He is a dictator in the sense that he is a guy who runs a country that is communist." He added that the Chinese government "is totally different" than that of the US.&nbsp;

One camera angle shows Blinken looking slightly uncomfortable and fidgeting with his fingers when Biden was replying.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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<h2>Blinken clarifies&nbsp;dictator&nbsp;remarks</h2>

Later, Blinken weighed in on the relationship with China as he said that "this is one of the most consequential relationships we have" while speaking&nbsp;to CBS Evening News.&nbsp;

He said, "One of the most consequential relationships between any two countries in the world, and we have an obligation to try to responsibly manage that relationship."&nbsp;

During the interview, Blinken was asked about the "dictator" remarks. He replied that the "President always speaks candidly and he speaks for all of us".&nbsp;

He said, "It's not exactly a secret that we have two very different systems. It's clear that we will continue to say things and continue to do things that China doesn't like, just as I assume that they will continue to do and say things that we don't like."&nbsp;

He said that the important aspect of the meeting and other engagements is to make sure the US is "engaged diplomatically" with China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier this week. From military communications to the economy, both leaders exchanged views on a variety of topics in their first face-to-face talks in a year.

United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier this week. From military communications to the economy, both leaders exchanged views on a variety of topics in their first face-to-face talks in a year. Biden went a little bit off script as he said that he still considered Xi a "dictator". But more than the comment, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's reaction to the statement is going viral. In a video, Blinken was seen wincing at Biden's "dictator" remarks. It looks as if he was in disagreement with the US president's take on the Chinese leader. Also read: Benjamin Netanyahu admits failure in minimising civilian casualties Biden was addressing the press when he was asked if he would still refer to Xi as a "dictator", which is a word he had used earlier this year. He was speaking soon after a rare summit with Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet in San Fransisco. When presented with the above question about whether or not Xi is a dictator, the president said, "Well, look he is". The US president said, "He is a dictator in the sense that he is a guy who runs a country that is communist." He added that the Chinese government "is totally different" than that of the US. One camera angle shows Blinken looking slightly uncomfortable and fidgeting with his fingers when Biden was replying. Watch the video here: Blinken’s face when Biden calls President Xi a dictator 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/2sAPeGxwlZ — Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) November 16, 2023 × Also read: Biden speaks on workers' rights, 'substantial' progress on IPEF Blinken clarifies dictator remarks Later, Blinken weighed in on the relationship with China as he said that "this is one of the most consequential relationships we have" while speaking to CBS Evening News. He said, "One of the most consequential relationships between any two countries in the world, and we have an obligation to try to responsibly manage that relationship." During the interview, Blinken was asked about the "dictator" remarks. He replied that the "President always speaks candidly and he speaks for all of us". He said, "It's not exactly a secret that we have two very different systems. It's clear that we will continue to say things and continue to do things that China doesn't like, just as I assume that they will continue to do and say things that we don't like." He said that the important aspect of the meeting and other engagements is to make sure the US is "engaged diplomatically" with China. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken's reaction to Biden's dictator remark goes viral: 'President always speaks candidly'

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, or APEC, descends upon San Francisco for its 30th summit. This year, it's all about the powerplay between the world's top economic giants, the United States and China.

APEC Summit 2023: US & China's high-stakes showdown

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly accepted Thailand's invitation to attend next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok.

Quoting an unidentified security source, Bangkok Post reported that the Thailand foreign ministry has already informed the security agencies to begin preparations for the November 18-19 meeting.

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As per another report by the publication quoting American media, US President Joe Biden will likely skip the summit and Vice-President Kamala Harris will attend as his delegate.

The Diplomat reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has also verbally confirmed his presence at the summit.

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Several other nations have also accepted invitations, according to foreign affairs minister Don Pramudwinai, although it is unclear whether their leaders would attend in person or send delegates.

"Security agencies have been closely monitoring groups that may instigate unrest but there have been no reports of any suspicious activities so far," said the chief of defence forces General Chalermpol Srisawat adding that the situation is under control and there are no signs of unrest.

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He further stated that security would be tightened further when aircraft carrying the&nbsp;visiting dignitaries, and leaders enter the nation's airspace.

The Bangkok Post report quoted another source who claimed that to prevent separatist groups in Thailand's southern border provinces from disrupting the meet, security agencies are keeping a close eye on them.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly accepted Thailand's invitation to attend next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly accepted Thailand's invitation to attend next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok. Quoting an unidentified security source, Bangkok Post reported that the Thailand foreign ministry has already informed the security agencies to begin preparations for the November 18-19 meeting. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Ukraine war: Rising fear of a nuclear escalation As per another report by the publication quoting American media, US President Joe Biden will likely skip the summit and Vice-President Kamala Harris will attend as his delegate. The Diplomat reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has also verbally confirmed his presence at the summit. Also read | Elon Musk denies reports alleging that he spoke to Vladimir Putin before tweeting his peace plan Several other nations have also accepted invitations, according to foreign affairs minister Don Pramudwinai, although it is unclear whether their leaders would attend in person or send delegates. "Security agencies have been closely monitoring groups that may instigate unrest but there have been no reports of any suspicious activities so far," said the chief of defence forces General Chalermpol Srisawat adding that the situation is under control and there are no signs of unrest. Also read | Biden says he can defeat Trump again; gets candid about Putin and the looming nuclear threat He further stated that security would be tightened further when aircraft carrying the visiting dignitaries, and leaders enter the nation's airspace. The Bangkok Post report quoted another source who claimed that to prevent separatist groups in Thailand's southern border provinces from disrupting the meet, security agencies are keeping a close eye on them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping to attend APEC summit in Bangkok next month, Joe Biden to skip: Reports

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buoyed by the signing of the world's largest trade pact over the weekend, Xi said the Asia-Pacific is the "forerunner driving global growth" in a world hit by "multiple challenges" including the coronavirus.

He vowed "openness" to trade and refuted any possibility of the "decoupling" of China's economy — in his only comments nodding to the hostile trade policy of Donald Trump's US administration, which has battered China with tariffs and tech restrictions.

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The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held online this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries including the world's two biggest economies, accounting for about 60 per cent of global GDP.

It was not immediately clear if Trump, wounded by his election loss to Joe Biden, would take part in the summit or send a high level delegate in his place.

In a speech that veered into triumphalism over China's economic "resilience and vitality" in coming back from the virus, which first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, Xi warned countries who insist on trade barriers will suffer self-inflicted wounds.

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"Openness enables a country to move forward while seclusion holds it back," he said.

"China will actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises that want to do so. We will continue to hold high the banner of openness and co-operation."

Trade agenda

The high rhetoric may raise eyebrows in capitals where China has either restricted trade, imposed sudden blocks or used its giant economy as a bargaining chip in wider geopolitical plays.

In the APEC region, Australian exports including beef, wine and barley have been disrupted to their largest market, as diplomatic rumble over the origins of the pandemic as well as alleged antics by each other's spies hammer relations.&nbsp;

The APEC gathering comes a week after China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the world's largest free-trade deal.

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The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which excludes the US, is viewed as a major coup for China and further evidence that Beijing is setting the agenda for global commerce as Washington retreats.&nbsp;

RCEP's rival was the Trans-Pacific Partnership — championed by former Barack Obama — but Trump pulled out of it and the pact has been replaced by a watered-down alternative that the United States has not joined.

Xi had no direct words for President-elect Biden, whose ascension to office next year — while still clouded by Trump's refusal to concede defeat - is seen as likely to see a more naunced extension of Washington's current China policy.&nbsp;

Biden has been strident on China's human rights record, from the Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region to Hong Kong's democracy movement.

While he will he cast a more moderate presence on the global stage, analysts say he will seek deeper alliances to hem in Chinese tech — which the US says provides a back door to Beijing — and trade imbalances.

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Buoyed by the signing of the world's largest trade pact over the weekend, Xi said the Asia-Pacific is the "forerunner driving global growth" in a world hit by "multiple challenges" including the coronavirus. He vowed "openness" to trade and refuted any possibility of the "decoupling" of China's economy — in his only comments nodding to the hostile trade policy of Donald Trump's US administration, which has battered China with tariffs and tech restrictions. Also read| Subtly, China pressures Gulf states to reduce regional tensions The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held online this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries including the world's two biggest economies, accounting for about 60 per cent of global GDP. It was not immediately clear if Trump, wounded by his election loss to Joe Biden, would take part in the summit or send a high level delegate in his place. In a speech that veered into triumphalism over China's economic "resilience and vitality" in coming back from the virus, which first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, Xi warned countries who insist on trade barriers will suffer self-inflicted wounds. Also read| How China is stonewalling reforms at United Nations Security Council "Openness enables a country to move forward while seclusion holds it back," he said. "China will actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises that want to do so. We will continue to hold high the banner of openness and co-operation." Trade agenda The high rhetoric may raise eyebrows in capitals where China has either restricted trade, imposed sudden blocks or used its giant economy as a bargaining chip in wider geopolitical plays. In the APEC region, Australian exports including beef, wine and barley have been disrupted to their largest market, as diplomatic rumble over the origins of the pandemic as well as alleged antics by each other's spies hammer relations. The APEC gathering comes a week after China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the world's largest free-trade deal. Also read| Taiwan refuses to renew the licence of China-friendly news channel The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which excludes the US, is viewed as a major coup for China and further evidence that Beijing is setting the agenda for global commerce as Washington retreats. RCEP's rival was the Trans-Pacific Partnership — championed by former Barack Obama — but Trump pulled out of it and the pact has been replaced by a watered-down alternative that the United States has not joined. Xi had no direct words for President-elect Biden, whose ascension to office next year — while still clouded by Trump's refusal to concede defeat - is seen as likely to see a more naunced extension of Washington's current China policy. Biden has been strident on China's human rights record, from the Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region to Hong Kong's democracy movement. While he will he cast a more moderate presence on the global stage, analysts say he will seek deeper alliances to hem in Chinese tech — which the US says provides a back door to Beijing — and trade imbalances.

Xi touts China's huge economy as base of free trade in APEC speech

Malaysia's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-can-revoke-zakir-naiks-pr-status-mahathir-mohamad-243514">Mahathir&nbsp;Mohamad</a>, the world's oldest prime minister, promised on Tuesday to hand over power to anointed successor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-roller-coaster-life-of-malaysias-anwar-ibrahim-137700">Anwar Ibrahim</a> in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him.

Mahathir, 94, told Reuters in an interview that he would not hand over before a summit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-wracked-chile-pulls-out-as-apec-climate-meet-host-259009">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation</a> (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November but could be ready after that.

"I made a promise to hand over and I will, accepting that I thought that a change immediately before the APEC summit would be disruptive,"&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said.

"As far I'm concerned, I'm stepping down and I'm handing the baton to him. If people don't want him, that is their business, but I will do my part of the promise irrespective of whatever allegation. I made my promise, I keep my promise."

Asked if a handover could come in December 2020,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said: "We'll look at that when the time comes."

The turbulent relationship between the two men allies turned fierce rivals who later reunited to win power has shaped politics in the Southeast Asian country for decades.

Mahathir&nbsp;was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as the head of a coalition government whose largest party is led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption charges he says were political.

Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations by a former aide that he had tried to force him to have sex - describing the accusations as "politics at its worst".

It is&nbsp;Mahathir's second stint as&nbsp;Malaysia's&nbsp;premier, a post he previously held for 22 years from 1981 to 2003. Anwar was his deputy from 1993 to 1998, when the two fell out. Anwar was jailed the following year.

Although&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;promised to hand over to Anwar during the 2018 election campaign, doubts grew over his intentions when he later said he needed more time to steer the heavily-indebted country out of its troubles first.

Mahathir&nbsp;said he hoped for an out-of-court settlement with Goldman Sachs soon over the 1MDB scandal that sent&nbsp;Malaysia's&nbsp;debt soaring.

He also raised the possibility of selling stakes in state energy firm Petronas to oil and gas-rich provinces.

Firing back responses to questions from his perch on a sofa in his palatial office at Putrajaya on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said he did not feel tired despite his age because he was satisfied by his work.

"I try to do some minor exercise, but mainly I keep my weight stable," he said. "I've been 62 kilos for the past 30 or 40 years, it doesn't change. I don't eat very much, and I don't eat when food tastes nice. I don't overeat."

As well as planning to be the first leader in the world to host the APEC summit twice,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;has been pushing to cement his legacy as a leader in the Muslim world.

A summit in Kuala Lumpur next week would bring leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and other Muslim countries, officials said.&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said the meeting would look into situations where Muslims were being oppressed.

That would include allegations of rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said, while adding prospects for action by the Muslim world were limited.

"Taking a stand is one thing, doing something that can improve this situation is another thing. You take a stand which may well result in more pressures being applied and it is not going to do us any good," he said.

"The Muslim world cannot challenge anybody. We are very weak. Anybody can manipulate us, they can even make us fight each other. That's how we are."

Mahathir&nbsp;has in the past said that China was too powerful to challenge over the accusations in Xinjiang, which China denies.

He has not spared fellow Southeast Asian nation Myanmar from criticism over treatment of Rohingya Muslims after more than 700,000 were driven into Bangladesh by a military crackdown in 2017.

With Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi set to defend Myanmar against accusations at the World Court in The Hague this week,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said he hoped that abuses would be recognised and accepted.

"We hope that they will be able to explain and accept the fact that there has been genocide carried out," he said. "We hope that they will respond in one way or another to international opinion."

Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad, the world's oldest prime minister, promised on Tuesday to hand over power to anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him.

Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad, the world's oldest prime minister, promised on Tuesday to hand over power to anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him. Mahathir, 94, told Reuters in an interview that he would not hand over before a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November but could be ready after that. "I made a promise to hand over and I will, accepting that I thought that a change immediately before the APEC summit would be disruptive," Mahathir said. "As far I'm concerned, I'm stepping down and I'm handing the baton to him. If people don't want him, that is their business, but I will do my part of the promise irrespective of whatever allegation. I made my promise, I keep my promise." Asked if a handover could come in December 2020, Mahathir said: "We'll look at that when the time comes." The turbulent relationship between the two men allies turned fierce rivals who later reunited to win power has shaped politics in the Southeast Asian country for decades. Mahathir was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as the head of a coalition government whose largest party is led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption charges he says were political. Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations by a former aide that he had tried to force him to have sex - describing the accusations as "politics at its worst". It is Mahathir's second stint as Malaysia's premier, a post he previously held for 22 years from 1981 to 2003. Anwar was his deputy from 1993 to 1998, when the two fell out. Anwar was jailed the following year. Although Mahathir promised to hand over to Anwar during the 2018 election campaign, doubts grew over his intentions when he later said he needed more time to steer the heavily-indebted country out of its troubles first. Mahathir said he hoped for an out-of-court settlement with Goldman Sachs soon over the 1MDB scandal that sent Malaysia's debt soaring. He also raised the possibility of selling stakes in state energy firm Petronas to oil and gas-rich provinces. Firing back responses to questions from his perch on a sofa in his palatial office at Putrajaya on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Mahathir said he did not feel tired despite his age because he was satisfied by his work. "I try to do some minor exercise, but mainly I keep my weight stable," he said. "I've been 62 kilos for the past 30 or 40 years, it doesn't change. I don't eat very much, and I don't eat when food tastes nice. I don't overeat." As well as planning to be the first leader in the world to host the APEC summit twice, Mahathir has been pushing to cement his legacy as a leader in the Muslim world. A summit in Kuala Lumpur next week would bring leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and other Muslim countries, officials said. Mahathir said the meeting would look into situations where Muslims were being oppressed. That would include allegations of rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, Mahathir said, while adding prospects for action by the Muslim world were limited. "Taking a stand is one thing, doing something that can improve this situation is another thing. You take a stand which may well result in more pressures being applied and it is not going to do us any good," he said. "The Muslim world cannot challenge anybody. We are very weak. Anybody can manipulate us, they can even make us fight each other. That's how we are." Mahathir has in the past said that China was too powerful to challenge over the accusations in Xinjiang, which China denies. He has not spared fellow Southeast Asian nation Myanmar from criticism over treatment of Rohingya Muslims after more than 700,000 were driven into Bangladesh by a military crackdown in 2017. With Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi set to defend Myanmar against accusations at the World Court in The Hague this week, Mahathir said he hoped that abuses would be recognised and accepted. "We hope that they will be able to explain and accept the fact that there has been genocide carried out," he said. "We hope that they will respond in one way or another to international opinion."

Malaysia's Mahathir pledges to step down for Anwar, but not before November

The Papua New Guinea government may temporarily ban social media giant Facebook in order to carry out a research to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the use of Facebook and vulnerabilities linked to personal data use and cybercrime.&nbsp

The information gathered from the study will then be used to curb the fake profile and fake news floating on the site.

Communications Minister Sam Basil has&nbspsuggested banning Facebook for one month which will give the government time to gather information on fake accounts and users who uploads pornography and defamatory information in order to remove it from the platform.

He also proposed the idea to replace Facebook with a locally developed social media site.&nbsp

"This will allow genuine people with real identities to use the social network responsibly," &nbspnews agency quoted Basil as saying.

"If there need be then we can gather our local applications developers to create a site that is more conducive for Papua New Guineans to communicate within the country and abroad as well," Basil added,

However, no time has been fixed at for the potential ban on Facebook. But reports say that the ban might come into effect during the time when Papua New Guinea is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation&nbsp(APEC) summit later this year. The summit is expected to be attended by the United States president Donald Trump.

Mark Zuckerberg owned Facebook is under fire from past few months after a whistleblower revealed that UK based data mining firm Cambridge Analytica gathered data from illegal measures.

It has faced a lot of criticism after it was revealed that over 80 million users' information was compromised during the Cambridge Analytica row.

AFP reported a spokesperson of Facebook is saying that it has reached the Papua New Guinea authorities and is addressing the concerns.

The decision of temporarily banning the Facebook has however been ridiculed by Papua New Guinea media as the time of the ban may coincide with APEC summit.

PNG Institute of National Affairs executive director Paul Barker was quoted as saying by AFP, "The APEC meeting is all about promoting the digital era to assist business, develop economies, and improve citizen welfare in member countries."&nbsp

Media has said that it restricts the freedom of speech in the country as the Platform is widely used to discuss politics.

(With inputs from AFP)

A study will be conducted during this period to gather from the study will then be used to curb the fake profiles and fake news floating on the site

The Papua New Guinea government may temporarily ban social media giant Facebook in order to carry out a research to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the use of Facebook and vulnerabilities linked to personal data use and cybercrime. The information gathered from the study will then be used to curb the fake profile and fake news floating on the site. Communications Minister Sam Basil has&nbspsuggested banning Facebook for one month which will give the government time to gather information on fake accounts and users who uploads pornography and defamatory information in order to remove it from the platform. He also proposed the idea to replace Facebook with a locally developed social media site. "This will allow genuine people with real identities to use the social network responsibly," &nbspnews agency quoted Basil as saying. "If there need be then we can gather our local applications developers to create a site that is more conducive for Papua New Guineans to communicate within the country and abroad as well," Basil added, However, no time has been fixed at for the potential ban on Facebook. But reports say that the ban might come into effect during the time when Papua New Guinea is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit later this year. The summit is expected to be attended by the United States president Donald Trump. Mark Zuckerberg owned Facebook is under fire from past few months after a whistleblower revealed that UK based data mining firm Cambridge Analytica gathered data from illegal measures. It has faced a lot of criticism after it was revealed that over 80 million users' information was compromised during the Cambridge Analytica row. AFP reported a spokesperson of Facebook is saying that it has reached the Papua New Guinea authorities and is addressing the concerns. The decision of temporarily banning the Facebook has however been ridiculed by Papua New Guinea media as the time of the ban may coincide with APEC summit. PNG Institute of National Affairs executive director Paul Barker was quoted as saying by AFP, "The APEC meeting is all about promoting the digital era to assist business, develop economies, and improve citizen welfare in member countries." Media has said that it restricts the freedom of speech in the country as the Platform is widely used to discuss politics. (With inputs from AFP)

Papua New Guinea may temporarily ban Facebook to curb fake profiles