| 23 June 2023
In a recent joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, United States President Joe Biden stood firm in his characterization of Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "dictator." This statement comes just days after both countries celebrated modest progress in cooling tensions. Despite the potential diplomatic repercussions, Biden expressed that he has no intention of altering his candid remarks about China.
The controversial remark reportedly took place during a campaign fundraiser in California, where Biden commented on an incident involving a Chinese spy balloon that drifted over US airspace. The US President suggested that the incident embarrassed dictators who were caught off guard, stating, "That's a great embarrassment for dictators. When they didn't know what happened... That wasn't supposed to be going where it was. It was blown off course."
The timing of Biden's comment is noteworthy, as it follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing, marking the highest-level official visit to China since Biden assumed office in January 2021. Both sides reported tentative success in reducing tensions during the visit, which was anticipated to pave the way for a potential meeting between Biden and Xi. However, China's embassy in Washington promptly issued a formal protest against Biden's characterization of President Xi, expressing doubts about the sincerity of the United States.
The embassy's statement emphasized that the Chinese government and its people firmly reject any political provocation against their top leader and will respond resolutely. Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng delivered a message to senior US officials, urging them to take actions to undo the negative impact of Biden's statement or face the consequences. The consequences mentioned by Ambassador Xie were left vague, leaving uncertainty about Beijing's intentions and the specific demands they seek from the Biden administration.
While Chinese officials demand a retraction or apology, the Biden administration stands by the President's remarks. Administration officials highlight that Biden has consistently emphasized the distinction between democratic nations and autocratic regimes. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who has stressed the importance of improving US-China relations for global stability, addressed Biden's comments separately, stating that maintaining communication and addressing misperceptions is crucial. Yellen also acknowledged that disagreements exist between the two nations but stressed the need for honest dialogue.
The fallout from President Biden's "dictator" comment adds complexity to an already strained US-China relationship. As the two global powers navigate their differences on trade, human rights, and regional security, finding common ground remains a challenge. The upcoming meeting between Biden and Xi, whenever it takes place, will undoubtedly be crucial in determining the future trajectory of this complex relationship.
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