Newly released photos reveal Joe Biden meeting Hunter Biden’s Chinese business associates. These interactions occurred during Joe’s official visit to China in 2013. Additionally, the photos show Hunter meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials.
Archives Respond to Records Request
The National Archives released these images following a public records request from a pro-Trump legal group. Although the meetings have been known for years, this is the first time the photos have been made public.
Meetings Documented in Images
In one photo, Joe Biden and Hunter are seen conversing with Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, another image shows Joe introducing Hunter to Li Yuanchao, who was China’s Vice President at the time.
Joe Biden, Hunter Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping
Moreover, separate photos capture Hunter introducing his father to Chinese business executives, including members of the private equity firm BHR Partners. After handshakes and hugs, the group posed for photographs together.
Raises Questions About Biden’s Claims
These photos cast doubt on Joe Biden’s repeated claims that he had no involvement in Hunter’s business activities. Notably, a House Republican impeachment inquiry has identified over two dozen instances of Joe Biden interacting with Hunter’s business partners.
Hunter and Associates Deny Allegations
However, Hunter Biden and his associates argue that these meetings were purely social. They assert that Joe Biden’s interactions were limited to polite greetings and casual conversations. Furthermore, Hunter’s former business partner testified that Hunter sold the “illusion” of access to Joe Biden. He emphasized that no significant business matters were discussed.
Lawyer Defends Hunter Biden
Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, strongly criticized the photo release. He stated, “There is simply nothing new here.” Lowell further explained that the photos align with Hunter’s testimony about the 2013 trip. In addition, he accused Republicans of twisting the images to fuel baseless conspiracy theories.
Pro-Trump Group Pushes for Release
The photos were obtained after America First Legal, a pro-Trump group, filed a public records request in 2022. The group, led by former Trump aide Stephen Miller, later sued the National Archives. In their statement, they claimed the photos support allegations that Hunter Biden arranged meetings for Joe Biden with BHR executives to gain political influence.
Hunter’s Deals Face Intense Scrutiny
Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings continue to face heavy criticism. Federal prosecutors charged him with tax crimes related to unpaid taxes on his overseas earnings. However, he has not faced corruption or illegal lobbying charges, despite Republican accusations of influence-peddling.
Joe Biden Issues Sweeping Pardon
Following the 2024 elections, Joe Biden issued a pardon for Hunter Biden. The pardon covered 12 tax and gun-related convictions. Additionally, it shields Hunter from future federal prosecution for any crimes committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.
