The White House attempted to downplay the relationship between China’s Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden
Early in the leaders’ virtual summit Xi appeared to contradict those reports.
The White House attempted to downplay the relationship between China’s Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden
Early in the leaders’ virtual summit Xi appeared to contradict those reports.
Context: President Biden and Jen Psaki described the relationship with Xi as being a business one and stated that the two are not friends.
At the start of the meeting Xi stated through a translator, “It’s the first time for us to meet virtually. Although it’s not as good as a face-to-face meeting, I’m very happy to see my old friend.”
Why is this important: Joe Biden’s ties to China have been called into question due to questionable business dealings between the country and his son Hunter.
Press Secretary Jen Psaki reiterated hours before the meeting that Biden, “still does not consider him an old friend.”
Biden recently claimed to have traveled “17,000 miles” with Xi during his time as vice president. According to a Washington Post fact check the only time the two traveled together was when they visited a high school in Dujiagyan.
What they are saying:
DOOCY: Is there going to become a time where you might call him old friend, and ask him to open up China to the World Health Organization investigators who are trying to get to the bottom of covid-19?
— David Asman (@DavidAsmanfox) November 16, 2021
BIDEN: We're not old friends. It's just pure business. https://t.co/kK1Z8jmRTO
China's President Xi trolls Biden by calling him 'my old friend' after his multiple denials they are close https://t.co/LrxVU5LFQT
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) November 16, 2021
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