President Biden mentioned Thursday that his comment calling Chinese chief Xi Jinping a “dictator” has not undermined his administration’s efforts to scale back tensions with Beijing.

Speaking at a joint press convention with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Biden mentioned his remarks received’t have an enduring impression at the same time as relations with China have hit a historic low.

“I don’t think it’s had any real consequence,” Mr. Biden mentioned from the White House’s East Room.

At a marketing campaign fundraiser in California on Tuesday night time, Mr. Biden talked in regards to the Chinese spy balloon that floated over the U.S. in January and February. He described Mr. Xi as out-of-touch and embarrassed by the incident after the balloon was shot down by the Air Force off the coast of South Carolina.

“The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot the balloon down with two box cars full of spy equipment is he didn’t know it was there,” Mr. Biden mentioned.

“No, I’m serious,” he informed the group. “That was the great embarrassment for dictators, when they didn’t know what happened.”

SEE ALSO: Biden labels Xi Jinping a dictator over Chinese president’s response to downed balloon

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned Mr. Biden’s remarks as “extremely absurd and irresponsible.”

The dust-up comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a go to to Beijing on Monday, which either side characterised as productive. However, the talks didn't produce any substantial agreements, however a plan to fulfill once more.

“Secretary Blinken had a great trip to China. I expect to be meeting with President Xi sometime in the future,” Mr. Biden mentioned Thursday, disregarding his remarks.

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