BEIJING (TNND) — Photos released Monday show President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, meeting with Chinese officials and businessmen back in 2013, according to the conservative legal group America First Legal (AFL). This group obtained the photos through legal battles with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), highlighting pre-existing tensions over transparency.
AFL has claimed NARA initially planned to release the images before the presidential election, but the process was stalled due to extensions sought by lawyers representing both President Biden and former President Barack Obama.
Captured during late 2013, these photos show then-Vice President Biden introducing Hunter to notable figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and then-Vice President Li Yuanchao. Other images depict the Bidens alongside Jonathan Li and Ming Xue, both associated with the Chinese private equity firm BHR Partners.
The release of these photographs correlates with accusations leveled against Hunter Biden by House Republicans, particularly concerning the financial arrangements established post their December 1, 2013 trip to Asia. Reports indicate this trip included destinations like China, Japan, and South Korea as part of the vice president's official travel.
According to documents presented by House Republicans, communications from December 5, 2013 confirm Hunter Biden's acknowledgment of his father's meeting with Li during the trip. The AFL stated, "These photos corroborate the House Oversight Committee’s investigative findings," alleging Hunter set up the meeting to enable Li access to his father's political influence.
The claims assert Li benefitted from favorable access to the U.S. ambassador to China at the time, Max Baucus, as part of Hunter’s dealings with BHR Partners.
Despite the flood of allegations, President Biden has continually denied any engagement with his son’s business involvements. Hunter Biden, facing heavy scrutiny, asserted last December to reporters, "My father was not financially involved" with his business dealings.
The timing of the photo release raises eyebrows as it aligns closely with the recent pardon granted by President Biden to Hunter for potential offenses committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. This pardon was pivotal as Hunter was set to confront significant legal challenges related to gun and tax violations.
Republican Representative Andy Biggs from Arizona took to X on the same day as the photo release to double down on calls for continued investigations. He stated, "The pardon of Hunter Biden doesn’t disqualify Congress from continuing our investigation" and insisted, "He can’t hide from the truth forever."
Requests for comments from the White House, the Chinese Embassy located in Washington, D.C., and BHR Partners have gone unanswered, leaving many questions hanging as the political narrative evolves.
The controversy surrounding the Biden family and their potential dealings with Chinese entities continues to capture public interest and prompts discussions of ethical governance.
