Key Points
- President Biden and Xi Jinping had a virtual summit to discuss America-China relations.
- It ran more than 3 1/2 hours and nothing got accomplished.
- Xi appeared to be in the driver’s seat, even threatening the U.S. over Taiwan.
Nothing got accomplished. Let’s just say that right up front. No consensus, agreements, promises, pinky swears – nothing. A senior Biden administration official said, “We were not expecting a breakthrough. “There were none.” And he’s right. But something did happen.
Xi Jinping looked strong. Biden looked weak. Xi even taunted Joe with the nickname “old friend” – a callback to a comment made by President Biden earlier this year.
According to the Daily Mail, “Over the summer, Biden responded sharply to Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy, who asked if he would call Xi ‘old friend to old friend’ – seeking access for World Health Organization investigators searching for the origins of COVID-19.”
“Let’s get something straight,” Biden replied in June during the press conference. “We know each other well. We’re not old friends. It’s just pure business.”
(Interesting, he would use the phrase “pure business” considering the numerous reports highlighting Hunter Biden’s business ties with China and ranking officials in the CCP. But that’s another article.)
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also confirmed before the virtual summit that the President does not consider Xi Jinping an old friend. So, naturally, Xi decided to troll Ol’ Joe using the affectation right out of the gate.
“Good to see you, Mr. President, and your colleagues,” Xi said. “It’s the first time for us to meet virtually. Although it’s not as good as a face-to-face meeting, I’m very happy to see my old friend.”
According to the White House, over the next 3 ½ hours, the two leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including: “managing competition responsibly”; human rights in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong; and“key regional challenges, including DPRK, Afghanistan, and Iran.”
But Xi saved the fireworks – and threats – for when the discussion finally came around to Taiwan.
According to the Daily Wire, “Xi threatened Biden over Taiwan, warning according to the Chinese readout, that assisting Taiwan in pursuing independence ‘is playing with fire, and if you play with fire, you will get burned.’”
“China will have to take resolute measures if the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces provoke, compel or even cross the red line,” Xi added.
A total blowout win for Xi Jinping. But the White House released a statement claiming Biden fought hard against China’s human rights violations and corrupt economic practices.
We’re not so sure.
