Biden says he sees 'no real consequence' to calling Xi a 'dictator', expects to meet him in 'near term'
Biden and Xi
President Joe Biden reassured that any negative repercussions arising from his remarksof President Xi Jinping of China being a "dictator" would not compromise the recent diplomatic advancements made between Washington and Beijing, reported AFP.
“The answer to your question is no,” Biden said during a White House press conference on Thursday when asked if his comments were detrimentalto US-China ties.
“I don’t think it’s had any real consequence,” Biden added.The president said he expects to meet with Xi “in the near term.”
On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy conveyed that Xie Feng, China's ambassador to the US, had expressed strong objections to high-ranking officials in the White House and State Department. According to a statement from Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu, the remarks were criticised as being incorrect, illogical, and lacking responsibility.
Additionally, it was cautioned that the Chinese government would firmly retaliate and reject any form of political instigation against its top leader.
During a campaign fundraiser in California on Tuesday, President Biden made comments referring to China's leader as a "dictator." These remarks implied that the Chinese leader might have felt humiliated due to his alleged lack of knowledge regarding a Chinese spy balloon having crossed the United States in February.
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“The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full spy gear is because he didn’t know was there,” Biden said.
“That’s great embarrassment for dictators, he didn’t know what happened. That wasn’t supposed to be going where it was,” he added.
In the statement, Liu criticised Biden's remarkas a "smear" that directly contradicts established facts, violates diplomatic norms, and encroaches upon China's political dignity.
“We urge the USside to immediately take earnest actions to undo the negative impact and honour its own commitments,” the Chinese spokesperson said. “Otherwise, it will have to bear all the consequences.”
Repercussions and contrasting views following Biden's remarks on China
President Biden's comments regarding China came just a few days after his top diplomat, Secretary of State Blinken, concluded meetings in Beijing, including a meeting with President Xi Jinping. During the meetings, Xi praised the visit, acknowledging progress and specific agreements reached, describing the outcome as positive.
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Shortly after the meetings, Blinken addressed reporters, highlighting the progress made and emphasising the mutual agreement to stabilise the relationship between the United States and China.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Chinese officials expressed strong disapproval of Biden's comments, stating that they contradict the commitments made by the USside and undermine mutual trust. The Chinese further described the nature and impact of Biden's remarks as highly negative.
(With inputs from agencies)
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