President Biden Revisits Encounters with Chinese President Xi Jinping

In a recent speech delivered from Chicago on Wednesday, President Biden discussed his economic agenda known as “Bidenomics,” and shed light on his extensive interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the years.

17,000 miles, umpteen hours

Biden revealed that he had spent significant time with the Chinese leader, stating, "I've long said, and I mean this, I was on the Tibetan Plateau with Xi Jinping. I've traveled 17,000 miles with him. I've spoken with him more than any other head of state because it started when I was vice president and President Hu was the president and he was the vice president. We knew he was gonna be the successor."

Notably, Biden disclosed that he had met privately with Xi Jinping 68 times, totaling over 68 hours of discussion.

In response to Biden's statements, Republicans on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability acknowledged the frequent meetings between Biden and Xi Jinping, adding a comment about alleged connections between the Bidens and companies associated with the Chinese Communist Party.

Besties or frenemies?

Earlier this month, Biden faced criticism from China after referring to Xi as a dictator during a fundraiser in California. Despite the backlash, Biden maintained that his comment did not affect the working relationship between the United States and China.

When questioned about the potential complications caused by his remark, Biden expressed confidence in the U.S. relationship with China and highlighted Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visit to the country.

China, however, strongly criticized Biden's remarks, deeming them "absurd and irresponsible." Chinese officials accused Biden of violating diplomatic protocol and infringing on China's political dignity.

At the fundraiser, Biden emphasized the importance of cooperation with China and President Xi Jinping, while acknowledging that progress would require time.

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