Biden compares Xi to ‘dictators, and China calls his remarks ‘absurd and irresponsible’.

China has voiced its criticism of President Joe Biden’s remarks about Chinese leader Xi Jinping, labelling them “extremely absurd and irresponsible.” This verbal confrontation arose shortly after Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing, which aimed to ameliorate the strained relationship between the two nations.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, expressed strong dissatisfaction with Biden’s comments, alleging that they contradicted facts, violated diplomatic protocol, and encroached upon China’s political dignity. She deemed these statements blatant political provocation and emphasised China’s opposition and discontent.

Blinken’s visit, including his meeting with Xi, was intended to assuage tensions between the United States and China, but it appears that no significant progress was achieved during the discussions.

During a fundraising event in California, Biden remarked that Xi was embarrassed by the recent tensions surrounding a suspected Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by the US Air Force on the East Coast. Biden insinuated that such incidents caused embarrassment for dictators who were unaware of the events transpiring.

Mao reiterated China’s position that the balloon was intended for meteorological research and had inadvertently deviated from its course. She rebuked the United States for not handling the situation calmly and professionally, accusing them of distorting facts and sensationalising the incident through the use of force. According to Mao, these actions exposed the bullying and hegemonic nature of the United States.

This exchange of words underscores the ongoing strain in US-China relations and the challenges encountered in finding common ground. Despite attempts to improve bilateral ties, the comments from both sides indicate a persistent lack of trust and deep-rooted disagreements. The road to constructive dialogue and cooperation remains arduous, necessitating further diplomatic efforts to bridge the divide between the two nations.