Biden says his 'dictator' comment on Xi has no 'real consequence' on China ties

U.S. President Joe Biden dismissed concerns astir his remark referencing Chinese person Xi Jinping a "dictator," saying his remarks did not undermine diplomatic efforts to mend fragile ties betwixt the 2 countries.

"I don't deliberation it's had immoderate existent consequence," Biden told reporters Thursday at a associated property league successful Washington with the visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Biden labeled Xi a dictator during a run fundraiser successful California connected Tuesday, conscionable 1 time aft Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his archetypal authoritative sojourn to Beijing.

Within hours, China changeable backmost with a crisp response, calling Biden's remark "utterly absurd and irresponsible" and a "provocation."

The Chinese ambassador to Washington, Xie Feng, made "strong protests" to elder White House and State Department officials, NBC News reported.

"I've said this for immoderate clip — that the hysteria astir the narration with China is collapsing and moving, etc, etc. We had an incidental that caused immoderate — immoderate confusion, you mightiness say," Biden said Thursday. "But Secretary Blinken had a large travel to China. I expect to beryllium gathering with President Xi sometime successful the future, successful the adjacent term."