Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has launched a scathing attack on President Biden, accusing him of “begging” for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Hill reported on Friday, November 10, that Haley criticized Biden’s approach, claiming he went to the extent of sending four Cabinet members to China in what she characterized as a form of supplication.
The anticipated meeting, scheduled for November 15 in San Francisco, has been spotlighted by the White House as a crucial moment in Biden’s term, focusing on addressing vital bilateral issues.
Haley, speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox News, questioned the administration’s tactics and expressed skepticism about the substance of the discussions that might unfold during the meeting.
“President Xi is willing to meet with them because they’re not scared of Joe Biden. They don’t worry about what he’s going to do,” remarked Haley, emphasizing her belief that Biden’s emphasis on climate change might overshadow more pressing issues.
The White House, however, downplayed the extensive agenda of the meeting, emphasizing achievable goals, particularly the restoration of a direct military-to-military line of communication severed by China in August 2022 after Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
Haley urged Biden to address critical topics during the meeting, including the influx of fentanyl in the U.S. and intellectual property issues. She also stressed the need for clarification on China’s establishment of a military and spy base in Cuba, situated close to American shores.
Highlighting the urgency of the fentanyl issue, Haley proposed a stern stance, suggesting that the U.S. should threaten to end normal trade relations with China unless measures are taken to halt the illicit flow of the deadly drug into the country.
While trailing behind Trump in GOP presidential nomination polls, Haley has gained attention for her strong performances in debates. Her strategy relies on securing victories in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary to bolster her position in the race.
Chinese President Xi’s visit to San Francisco marks a significant event, as it is the first time he has visited the U.S. in six years. In 2017, then-President Trump hosted Xi for a dinner meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida.
The goal of resuming direct military-to-military communication is seen as a critical step to ease tensions in the strained relationship between the U.S. and China since Biden and Xi last met face-to-face.
