Newly released photographs have emerged, depicting then-Vice President Joe Biden meeting with some of his son Hunter Biden's Chinese business associates during a 2013 official visit to China. These images, made public for the first time, also show Hunter Biden interacting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials.
The photos, taken during the 2013 trip, show Joe Biden with his son, Hunter, in discussions with President Xi. Additionally, Joe Biden is seen introducing Hunter to Li Yuanchao, who held the position of China's Vice President at the time.
Furthermore, the images capture Hunter Biden introducing his father to several of his Chinese business partners, including some executives from the private equity firm BHR Partners. Following these introductions, the Bidens posed for a group photograph with several of the business associates.
These photos are significant, as they contradict previous assertions by Joe Biden that he had no business-related interactions with his son. House Republicans' impeachment inquiry into President Biden has identified at least two dozen interactions between him and his son's associates.
Despite the visual evidence of these meetings, Hunter Biden and others involved maintain that no business was ever substantively discussed during these encounters. They characterize these interactions as mere greetings and social events. One former business partner testified that Hunter sold the "illusion" of access to his father without any real business discussions taking place.
Hunter Biden's attorney criticized the release of the images as "nothing new," asserting they align with his client's testimony regarding the 2013 trip. He dismissed the controversy as a continuation of "misinformation" and "baseless accusations."
The release of these images was prompted by a records request filed by the pro-Trump group, America First Legal, in 2022. This group, led by Stephen Miller, claims the photos confirm that Hunter Biden used his father's political influence.
CNN has requested comment from the White House regarding the newly released pictures. Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings have faced intense scrutiny, leading to tax crime charges which partly stemmed from unpaid taxes from those overseas deals. While claims of influence-peddling were made by GOP members, no criminal charges of that nature were brought forth.
Finally, in a controversial move, President Joe Biden recently issued a pardon to his son for previous tax and gun convictions. This sweeping pardon also extended protection against future federal crimes committed before Dec 1, 2024.
