Just following a stunning revelation two weeks ago that congress would open an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump came an incredible turn of events. Right as the smoke began to clear with Ukraine, a beleaguered president under heavy fire swiftly fired back once again. As Trump took direct aim at former Vice President and political rival Joe Biden, more specifically in referencing his family’s mysterious business dealings with China.
While addressing a media scrum from the White House South Lawn on Thursday President Trump proclaimed that “China should start an investigation into the Bidens because what happened with China is just about as bad as what happened with Ukraine.” Trump even implied the matter could be discussed soon with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well. This puts the president in a highly precarious position. Aside from battling fierce opposition at home, Trump is trying to clinch a new international trade deal with China. Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are set to resume trade talks on Oct. 10 and 11, less than a week before a sharp increase in Trump’s tariffs slated to take effect on Oct. 15. A significant stretch coming up here as we count down to crunch time ahead of the 2020 General Election.
Interesting to note that a closer look at Biden’s family business history indicates a pattern of questionable behavior. Joseph Biden (D-DE) promptly joined the Senate’s banking committee as a freshman in 1973. A telling sign of things to come. As a result his younger brother James obtained unusually generous loans from lenders. Such supposed special treatment wouldn’t stop there. In the early 2000s, Hunter opened a lobbying practice that landed clients with interests that overlapped with Joe’s committee assignments and legislative priorities. Further Sen. Biden twice served as Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Most recently from 2007-2009, only prior to being picked as President Barack Obama’s running mate.
A main objection expressed by Trump originates from the December 2013 state-sponsored trip sending VP Biden and his family to China. Ten days after they returned from that trip, Hunter Biden’s small investment firm announced a $1.5 billion private equity deal with the Chinese government. This pact involving Hunter Biden’s contact and Bohai Capital boss Jonathan Li truly defied convention. Many prestigious financial entities have tried and failed to make inroads with the state-run Bank of China. But somehow a novice in private equity Rosemont Seneca proved able to penetrate all of the red tape and score a massive deal. In the weeks that followed Vice President Biden was widely accused of taking a weak stance on China.
Along with former Secretary of State John Kerry’s stepson and his old partner Chris Heinz, Hunter allegedly bagged a princely sum to help finance their joint investment firm Rosemont Seneca Technology Partners from the Chinese government. A total stake in the amount of $38 million. Then merely eight months after the Biden family visited China, in August 2014 Gemini Investments bought 75 percent of Rosemont Realty, a Rosemont Seneca sister company. The terms included a $3 billion commitment from the Chinese.
Plus outrageous tales of lavish gifts and shocking crimes. Among these include Chinese businessman and Biden associate Patrick Ho. Who stands accused of Bribery and Corruption by the U.S. Justice Department. As well as the founder of CEFC China Energy Limited Ye Jianming. The shamed ex-power player reportedly gave Hunter a 2.8-carat diamond estimated to be worth at least five figures.
Beyond all of this are lingering suspicions about China’s presumed intellectual property theft. This an original point of contention raised by Trump. One which supported the imposition of international tariffs and effectively triggered a trade war. To complicate matters it was just revealed the FBI has been reaching out to colleges and universities across the country as it tries to stem what American authorities portray as the wholesale theft of technology and trade secrets by researchers tapped by China. In addition to an extremely volatile situation between China and Hong Kong. Now Trump has to traverse a virtual high wire with perilous pitfalls abound.
Some critics allege that President Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her business pursuits were likewise granted coveted trademarks in China via her own special connections. Though an argument can certainly be made that she did gain exclusive access much like Hunter, Ivanka’s efforts are well-documented. Her endeavors are carried out in full view and subject to intense scrutiny.
By contrast Hunter Biden consciously conducted his affairs in the shadows. Why does father Joe seem so reluctant to answer honest questions relating to his family business overseas? Last month the Democratic presidential front runner declared he has never consulted Hunter on his various foreign business ventures. Still photo evidence quickly surfaced within days to counter his claim. Biden has been busted repeatedly for lying or misrepresenting facts and events. Do you actually take him at his word?
