Joe Biden Congratulates Xi Jinping at G-20 Summit

President Biden congratulated Xi Jinping, seemingly on his recent consolidation of power during last month’s Chinese Communist Party National Congress, during their first in-person meeting as leaders. The exchange took place today on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Bali.

“You and I have had a number of candid and useful conversations over the years and since I became president as well,” Biden said at the start of their meeting, addressing the Chinese leader as “President Xi” and recounting their previous interactions while Biden was vice president. “You were kind enough to call me to congratulate me, and I congratulate you as well.” Although many Westerners refer to Xi as “president,” that’s a false title that grants the Party leader a semblance of democratic legitimacy. He’s more accurately referred to as general secretary, among his other official party and government titles.

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Jimmy Quinn

Jimmy Quinn is the former national security correspondent for National Review.

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President Biden congratulated Xi Jinping, seemingly on his recent consolidation of power during last month’s Chinese Communist Party National Congress, during their first in-person meeting as leaders. The exchange took place today on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Bali.

“You and I have had a number of candid and useful conversations over the years and since I became president as well,” Biden said at the start of their meeting, addressing the Chinese leader as “President Xi” and recounting their previous interactions while Biden was vice president. “You were kind enough to call me to congratulate me, and I congratulate you as well.” Although many Westerners refer to Xi as “president,” that’s a false title that grants the Party leader a semblance of democratic legitimacy. He’s more accurately referred to as general secretary, among his other official party and government titles.