President Biden & President Xi Talk Covid Origins Amid Rising Tensions
The U.S. and China’s top leaders got on a 90‑minute phone call on Thursday, September 9, and the agenda—including the infamous Covid‑19 origins—was on the table.
What Biden Said
White House spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters that the President “deeply cares about figuring out where the virus came from.” She added that the topic was raised but wouldn’t go into detail.
Remember last month when Biden announced he’d be pushing China for answers? Well, it’s back on the radar, as the pandemic has “killed 4.8 million people worldwide.” The debate still rages over whether the virus slipped out of a lab in China—allegations Beijing insists it’s cooperating with the investigation.
Xi’s Response
Xi, meanwhile, reminded Biden that the two nations must “respect each other’s core concerns” and keep the dialogue open. He hinted that continuing talks would help tackle not just Covid but also climate change and higher‑tech rivalry.
Key Takeaways
- The call was the first between the two leaders in seven months.
- Xi said the relationship should focus on “epidemic prevention and economic recovery.”
- Both sides stressed that their discussion was “respectful and candid,” not a mandate for instant results.
- Economic dollars were mentioned but not the central point.
- The President did not hint at any punitive measures against China if cooperation falters.
Why It Matters
With global politics still simmering, the conversation signals a cautious push for transparency. Nobody’s expecting a surprise award ceremony, but the world’s watching—who knows if a next‑level phone call will finally crack the Covid mystery?
