The recent controversy that erupted after US President Joe Biden called Chinese President Xi Jinping a “dictator” at a campaign fundraiser in California has provoked a strong backlash from Beijing, which accused Biden of being “extremely absurd and irresponsible” and violating China’s political dignity.

The dispute comes at a time when both countries are trying to improve their strained relations after a series of diplomatic and military clashes.

Biden’s comment was apparently triggered by an incident that occurred earlier this year, when a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over the US airspace and was shot down by the Air Force. Biden claimed that Xi was not aware of the balloon and was embarrassed when it was exposed. He said that this was a “great embarrassment for dictators” who did not know what happened in their own country.

China has denied that the balloon was a spy device and said it was a civilian airship conducting meteorological research. It also rejected Biden’s characterization of Xi as a dictator, saying that he was elected by the Chinese people and enjoyed their support. China also criticized Biden for making such remarks at a political event, saying that it was an “open political provocation” that undermined the efforts to stabilize the bilateral relationship.

The spat between Biden and Xi has cast a shadow over the recent visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Beijing, which was seen as a positive step towards easing tensions. Blinken met with Xi and other senior Chinese officials and discussed various issues of mutual concern, such as trade, climate change, human rights, and regional security. Both sides agreed to cooperate on areas of common interest and manage their differences in a constructive way.

However, Biden’s remark has raised doubts about whether he is sincere in seeking a better relationship with China or whether he is playing to his domestic audience. Some analysts have suggested that Biden is trying to balance his tough stance on China with his desire to avoid a confrontation. Others have argued that Biden is prone to making gaffes and remarks that complicate his foreign policy.

In any case, Biden’s comment has added more uncertainty to the already complex and volatile US-China relationship. It remains to be seen how both sides will handle this incident and whether they will be able to overcome their mistrust and hostility. The future of the world’s most important bilateral relationship depends on their ability to communicate and cooperate effectively.