China swiftly responded with backlash on Wednesday after U.S. President Joe Biden referred to President Xi Jinping as a “dictator.” The remarks, made during a fundraising event in California, were deemed absurd and provocative by China, leading to heightened tensions following recent attempts by both nations to ease the situation.
Biden’s statement came just a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing, aimed at stabilizing bilateral relations that China claims have reached their lowest point since formal ties were established. Blinken’s visit had emphasized the need to close a certain chapter in the relationship, which prompted Biden’s personal comment on Xi.
In addition to labeling Xi as a “dictator,” Biden also acknowledged that China is facing genuine economic challenges. However, these remarks were met with strong dissatisfaction by China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, who described them as extremely absurd, irresponsible, and a violation of diplomatic protocol and China’s political dignity.
Despite the tension, Blinken and Xi did agree during their meeting to work on stabilizing the intense rivalry between Washington and Beijing, aiming to prevent it from escalating into conflict. While the visit did not yield significant breakthroughs, both sides committed to continued diplomatic engagement, with further visits by U.S. officials expected in the coming weeks and months.
Biden also indicated that U.S. climate envoy John Kerry might visit China soon. Furthermore, the U.S. president assured Xi that the Quad strategic security group, comprising Japan, Australia, India, and the United States, was not an attempt to encircle China.
Biden is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this week, where discussions about China are expected to take place.
