The emergence of previously undisclosed photographs depicting President Biden’s interactions with Hunter Biden’s Chinese business associates during his vice presidency has ignited further controversy surrounding his assertions of never discussing business matters with his son. Obtained by America First Legal through legal action against the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), these images appear to show then-Vice President Biden introducing his son to high-ranking Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping and then-Vice President Li Yuanchao. Further, the photographs capture Joe Biden posing with key figures from Hunter Biden’s business venture, BHR Partners, such as Jonathan Li and Ming Xue. This visual evidence directly contradicts President Biden’s repeated denials of involvement in his son’s overseas business dealings.
The release of these photos has amplified scrutiny of President Biden’s previous claims, particularly in light of his son Hunter’s extensive business dealings in China. America First Legal contends that these images corroborate findings from the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, which revealed that Hunter Biden facilitated meetings between his father and BHR executives during a 2013 trip to China. The committee’s investigation further suggests that these meetings provided BHR with “preferential access” to then-U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus, a significant advantage in their business pursuits. This raises questions about the nature of these meetings and the extent of Joe Biden’s knowledge of his son’s business activities.
The timing of the photos’ release, after delays attributed to legal representatives of President Biden and President Obama, has also drawn criticism. America First Legal alleges that these delays were strategically employed to withhold information until after the election, preventing public awareness of potentially damaging information during the campaign. This adds to the existing controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s business dealings and the extent of his father’s involvement. The allegations raise concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
Beyond the photographs, previous email exchanges further complicate the narrative. A 2017 email obtained by Fox News shows Hunter Biden requesting keys for Joe and Jill Biden, along with his uncle, Jim Biden, for a space he intended to share with a representative of a Chinese energy company. Another email from the same year shows Hunter extending “best wishes from the entire Biden family” to the chairman of the same energy company and requesting a $10 million wire transfer to fund their joint venture. These emails contradict Joe Biden’s claim of never discussing business with his son and suggest a level of familial involvement in Hunter’s ventures.
Testimony from Devon Archer, Hunter Biden’s former business partner, adds another layer to the controversy. Archer alleges that Hunter Biden placed his father on speakerphone during meetings with business partners at least 20 times, using Joe Biden’s influence to “sell the brand.” This contradicts the president’s assertions of non-involvement and raises questions about the extent to which he leveraged his political position for his son’s business interests.
The unearthed photos and accompanying information have sparked widespread criticism and renewed calls for investigation. Critics argue that these revelations demonstrate a pattern of potentially corrupt behavior and misuse of influence within the Biden family. Others defend President Biden, suggesting that the accusations are politically motivated and lack concrete evidence of wrongdoing. The ongoing debate underscores the deep divisions within the American political landscape and the intense scrutiny faced by those in positions of power. The controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s business dealings and his father’s alleged involvement continues to unfold, with potential legal and political ramifications.
