The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is facing intense scrutiny for delaying the release of photographs that depict then-Vice President Joe Biden meeting with his son Hunter Biden’s Chinese business associates, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. These photos, which were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by America First Legal (AFL), were initially scheduled for release on October 23, 2024—several weeks before the presidential election. However, they were withheld until after the election, sparking allegations of political interference.
The images, taken during a 2013 official visit to China, show Joe Biden interacting with high-ranking Chinese officials and business executives alongside Hunter Biden. Notably, they include meetings with Jonathan Li, CEO of BHR Partners—a private equity firm co-founded by Hunter Biden—and Ming Xue, the company’s Director and Managing Partner. These revelations directly challenge President Biden’s repeated assertions that he had no involvement in or knowledge of his son’s foreign business dealings.
Details of the Photographs
The photographs were taken during Joe Biden’s trip to China as vice president under the Obama administration. During this visit, Hunter Biden accompanied his father on Air Force Two and reportedly facilitated introductions with several Chinese officials and business executives. Jonathan Li, one of the key individuals in the photos, later became a business partner of Hunter Biden in BHR Partners, a fund that managed billions of dollars in Chinese investments.
Critics have argued that these images provide further evidence of potential conflicts of interest and raise questions about the propriety of Hunter Biden leveraging his father’s position as vice president to forge lucrative international business relationships. The Biden family has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and President Biden has insisted that he was never involved in his son’s business ventures.
Congressional Response and Investigations
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) announced an investigation into the National Archives’ decision to delay the release of these photographs, which many Republicans argue could have influenced the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Comer expressed concern that withholding the images until after the election may have been a deliberate attempt to shield President Biden from political backlash.
“We need to hold people accountable,” Comer said. “The National Archives, along with other government agencies, appears to have been complicit in stonewalling the release of information that is critical to the public’s understanding of the Biden family’s business dealings. This is not just about transparency—it’s about ensuring that no one is above the law.”
The House Oversight Committee plans to investigate whether NARA’s decision was influenced by political considerations and whether other federal agencies may have played a role in suppressing information related to the Biden family.
Allegations of Broader Cover-Up
This controversy adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests government agencies may have been involved in withholding or delaying information that could potentially damage the Biden administration. Critics have pointed to past instances where emails, text messages, and witness testimonies suggested close ties between Joe Biden and Hunter Biden’s business dealings in China, Ukraine, and Russia.
“These photos are yet another piece of the puzzle,” said a spokesperson for America First Legal. “They show Joe Biden directly engaging with individuals tied to his son’s business interests, contradicting years of denials. The public deserves to know the full extent of these relationships and whether they compromised U.S. interests.”
NARA’s Defense
The National Archives has defended its actions, stating that the delay in releasing the photos was due to a standard review process required under FOIA laws. Officials have denied allegations of political interference, emphasizing that the timing of the release was coincidental and not intended to influence the election.
“NARA follows established procedures to ensure that all information released complies with legal and privacy standards,” a spokesperson said. “Any suggestion that this was done to protect any individual or political party is unfounded.”
However, critics remain skeptical, particularly given the high-stakes nature of the 2024 election and the contentious political climate surrounding Hunter Biden’s business dealings.
Political and Public Reactions
The release of the photos has reignited debates over transparency and accountability within government institutions. Republican lawmakers have accused the Biden administration of using federal agencies to suppress damaging information, while Democratic leaders have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Public opinion on the matter is divided, with some viewing the revelations as a clear example of corruption and others arguing that the focus on Hunter Biden’s business dealings is a distraction from more pressing issues.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about trust in our government,” said one political analyst. “The perception that federal agencies may be complicit in hiding information is damaging to the integrity of our democracy.”
What’s Next?
As the House Oversight Committee ramps up its investigation, more information is likely to emerge about the handling of these photographs and the Biden family’s ties to Chinese business interests. Lawmakers are expected to call NARA officials, as well as other key figures, to testify about the decision-making process behind the delayed release.
The investigation could have significant implications not only for the Biden administration but also for public confidence in the transparency of federal institutions. Additionally, it may influence future policies on the disclosure of information related to public officials.
For now, the controversy surrounding these photos serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in maintaining transparency and accountability in a polarized political environment.
Sources:
- The Gateway Pundit: Photos of Biden-China meetings spark controversy
- New York Post: Newly released photos show Biden meeting Hunter’s Chinese business partners
- America First Legal: FOIA lawsuit timeline and outcomes
