US President Joe Biden's labeling of Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a "dictator" during a summit meeting in California was met with sharp criticism from China. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning slammed the comment as "extremely wrong and irresponsible political manipulation" on Thursday in Beijing. China firmly rejected Biden's assertion, noting that some people with ulterior motives may be trying to sow discord between the two nations.
After the summit, Biden told journalists that he still considered Xi Jinping a "dictator," but in the context of ruling a communist country with a different system than the United States. Previously, in June, Biden had equated Xi with "dictators," which Beijing condemned as an "open political provocation."
During their first meeting in a year, Xi and Biden agreed to resume military communication between their countries' armed forces. However, the tensions between the two nations remained evident in Biden's characterization of Xi.
China's sensitivity to external criticism is evident in its response to Biden's comment. The Chinese government issued a démarche, a formal diplomatic protest, to the U.S. Ambassador's office condemning Biden's statement. This action underscores China's belief that such labels are inappropriate and unproductive in the context of diplomatic relations.
- Biden's characterization of Xi as a "dictator" during the summit meeting was met with strong criticism from China.
- Mao Ning, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, condemned the statement as "extremely wrong and irresponsible political manipulation."
- China firmly rejected Biden's assertion, noting that some may be trying to sow discord between the two nations.
- During their first meeting in a year, Xi and Biden agreed to resume military communication, but tensions remained evident in Biden's characterization of Xi.
- China's response to Biden's comment, issuing a démarche, underscores its belief that such labels are inappropriate and unproductive in the context of diplomatic relations.
Enrichment Data: After Biden referred to Xi Jinping as a "dictator" during his 2024 reelection campaign event, China issued a démarche to the U.S. Ambassador's office condemning the statement. This démarche underscores China's sensitivity to external criticism regarding its political system and leadership.
