Xi told Biden that while it was nice to see him that a virtual meeting wasn’t “as good as a face-to-face meeting.”Ĭhinese officials said in advance that Taiwan would be their top issue for the talks. The White House floated the idea of a virtual meeting as the next best thing to allow for the two leaders to have a candid conversation about a wide range of strains in the relationship. The high-level diplomacy had a touch of pandemic Zoom meeting informality as the two leaders waved to each other once they saw one another on the screen, with Xi telling Biden, “It’s the first time for us to meet virtually, although it’s not as good as a face-to-face meeting.”īiden would have preferred to meet Xi in person, but the Chinese leader has not left his country since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Xi, for his part, was accompanied in the East Hall of the Great Hall of the People by communist party director Ding Xuexiang and a number of advisers. president was joined in the Roosevelt Room for the video call by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a handful of aides. “Right now, both China and the United States are at critical stages of development, and humanity lives in a global village, and we face multiple challenges together,” Xi said. Xi, meanwhile, is facing a COVID-19 resurgence, rampant energy shortages, and a looming housing crisis that Biden officials worry could cause tremors in the global market. The White House in a statement said that Biden again raised concerns about China’s human rights practices, and made clear that he sought to “protect American workers and industries from the PRC’s unfair trade and economic practices.” The two also spoke about key regional challenges, including North Korea, Afghanistan and Iran.Īs the U.S.-China tensions have mounted, both leaders also have found themselves under the weight of increased challenges in their own backyards.īiden, who has watched his poll numbers diminish amid concerns about the lingering coronavirus pandemic, inflation and supply chain problems, was looking to find a measure of equilibrium on the most consequential foreign policy matter he faces. Xi’s deputies, meanwhile, have lashed out against the Biden White House for interfering in what they see as internal Chinese matters. The relationship has had no shortage of tension since Biden strode into the White House in January and quickly criticized Beijing for human rights abuses against Uyghurs in northwest China, suppression of democratic protests in Hong Kong, military aggression against the self-ruled island of Taiwan and more.

“I very much admire her, as I believe that people with confidence bring light to important issues,” another commenter wrote.Biden and DeSantis join together in Ian recovery effort “Every girl is unique! Confident girls are the most beautiful! Female beauty doesn’t need to be defined!” one top comment said. Many have praised Wang for her confidence and positive attitude, saying that she is paving a way for young Chinese boys and girls to embrace their body types and gain confidence. Īfter Wang’s videos began circulating on Weibo, netizens began engaging in a conversation about body positivity and changing negative stereotypes of larger body types in China. “I think no matter what your appearance is, you should dress as you like and maintain an attitude of kindness and optimism,” Wang told Chinese news outlet Bailu Video per South China Morning Post. The 28-year-old would initially finish work in tears due to negative comments before learning to not let the criticism affect her optimism. When she wore Hanfu clothing for her job, however, she says she began to feel more self-confidence and “pleasure.” With 15,000 followers on Weibo, Wang regularly posts photos of her Hanfu outfits and re-enactments, sharing that it brings her confidence and joy to receive recognition from online users.Īfter she began to take hormonal medication, Wang gained weight, reaching about 100 kilogram (approximately 220 pounds), which she described as discouraging. Wang portrays the historical figure for up to 10 hours a day at a Tang Dynasty-themed shopping center to attract customers and tourists. Wang Yu, from Shanxi Province in central China, has garnered attention for her impersonation of imperial concubine Yang Guifei, also known as Yang Guifei. Many Weibo users say they are inspired to change negative attitudes towards plus-size body types after watching a 28-year-old woman impersonate a legendary, ancient Chinese beauty with confidence and positivity.

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