In the wake of the U.S.-China summit in San Francisco, President Biden reaffirmed his characterization of Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dictator.” The statement came in response to a reporter’s question about whether he would continue to use the term, which Biden had first employed in June. The president cited the differences in governance between the communist structure of China and the United States.
“Well, look, he is. He’s a dictator in the sense that he’s a guy who runs a country that is a communist country, that is based on a form of government that is totally different than ours,” Biden said.
Biden’s initial use of the term “dictator” was prompted by the interception of a Chinese spy balloon over the continental U.S. The president explained that the incident caused embarrassment for Xi, who was reportedly unaware of the balloon’s presence. These remarks drew strong criticism from the Chinese government, which deemed them “extremely absurd and irresponsible.”
During the recent summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying issued a warning about U.S. relations with Taiwan, describing the “Taiwan question” as a critical and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. She emphasized the importance of the U.S. adhering to its commitment to not support “Taiwan independence” and discontinuing arms sales to Taiwan, asserting that China’s reunification is unstoppable.
When questioned about Taiwan during the press conference, Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to the “One China” policy, without making specific mention of the island nation. The president also highlighted agreements with China on addressing fentanyl supplies from Asia into the U.S. and plans to improve communication between the American and Chinese militaries.
SEE THIS: Secretary of State Antony Blinken reacts to President Biden off-the-cuff remark calling China’s Xi Jinping a dictator. https://t.co/5RSY22R2J1 pic.twitter.com/zngQb02zcV
— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) November 16, 2023
SEE THIS: Secretary of State Antony Blinken reacts to President Biden off-the-cuff remark calling China’s Xi Jinping a dictator. https://t.co/5RSY22R2J1 pic.twitter.com/zngQb02zcV
— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) November 16, 2023
