Biden's comment on Xi Jinping sparks controversy and disagreement.

The White House is standing by President Joe Biden's comments likening Chinese President Xi Jinping to a dictator, despite criticism from China and Russia. Biden made the comments at a California fundraiser for his 2024 presidential campaign, a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing to repair bilateral relations. The spy balloon incident, which led to the postponement of Blinken's visit, has been a source of tension between the two countries. Republicans in Congress have criticized Biden's efforts to mend ties with Beijing, characterizing them as appeasement.