A notable moment unfolded during the recent high-stakes summit between the United States and China as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visibly reacted to President Joe Biden’s off-script description of Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dictator.” The incident, captured on camera, has swiftly circulated across social media platforms, prompting intrigue and discussion.
The summit, marking Xi Jinping’s first visit to US soil in six years, served as a pivotal juncture for the two leaders to engage in critical dialogue aimed at alleviating strained relations and fostering a semblance of normalcy in bilateral ties.
Amidst the backdrop of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, President Biden’s unplanned characterization of Xi Jinping raised eyebrows. “He’s a dictator in the sense that he’s a guy who’s running a country, a Communist country, that’s based on a form of government totally different than ours,” remarked Biden, setting off Blinken’s visible reaction.
The Chinese government swiftly condemned President Biden’s remarks, denouncing them as “extremely wrong” and accusing the US of engaging in “irresponsible political manipulation.”
US Secretary of State Blinken, however, stood by Biden’s candid statement, asserting the necessity for frank dialogue despite expected disagreements between the two nations. “The president always speaks candidly and he speaks for all of us. It’s clear that we will continue to say things and do things that China doesn’t like,” Blinken affirmed during an interview with CBS News.
Amidst the diplomatic tensions, both leaders managed to find common ground on certain issues. Despite disagreements, an agreement was reached to reestablish military-to-military communication channels, signaling a potential step towards de-escalation. Additionally, President Xi Jinping pledged to restrict the production of fentanyl precursors in China, addressing a critical concern in combating drug-related challenges.
The incident and subsequent reactions underscore the delicate balance and complexities of US-China relations, where candid remarks and diplomatic maneuvers hold significance in shaping the trajectory of bilateral ties on multifaceted fronts
Sources By Agencies
