Biden Stands Firm on Labeling Xi as a ‘Dictator’

177

U.S. President Joe Biden has once again referred to his Chinese counterpart as a dictator, a statement that has the potential to jeopardize the progress made between the two leading global powers.

Following his first meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping in a year, Biden addressed a question regarding his June comment where he labeled Xi as a dictator. In response, Biden asserted on Wednesday, after the meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in San Francisco, “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’s based on a form of government totally different than ours.”

The characterization of Xi as a dictator drew swift criticism from China, with a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning Biden’s comment during the regular daily press conference in Beijing on Thursday. The spokesperson labeled Biden’s statement as “extremely incorrect and irresponsible political manipulation.” Mao Ning, the spokesperson, added, “There are always some careless individuals attempting to sow discord and damage China-U.S. relations, but their attempts will not succeed.”

Biden’s candid labeling of Xi Jinping comes in the midst of delicate diplomatic relations between the two nations, raising concerns about the potential impact on the progress made in recent discussions. The characterization of China’s leader as a dictator underscores the ideological differences between the communist governance in China and the democratic framework in the United States.

The response from China indicates the sensitivity surrounding such remarks and the potential for strain in bilateral relations. As global leaders navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the need for diplomatic tact and measured language becomes increasingly crucial to fostering constructive dialogue and avoiding unnecessary tensions. The aftermath of Biden’s characterization of Xi as a dictator will likely be closely watched as the world assesses the implications for the evolving relationship between the United States and China.