Photographs of then-Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 have resurfaced, sparking debate about the president's previous assertions regarding his son’s business dealings.

These newly revealed images, obtained by America First Legal (AFL), show Biden and his son in conversations with Chinese leaders and Hunter’s business associates, casting doubt on Biden's claim of havig had no involvement in his son’s business affairs. as Catholicvote.org reports.

The photos, taken during Biden’s December 2013 visit to Beijing as vice president, capture interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and then-Vice President Li Yuanchao.

Highlighted by FOX News, the images also include Hunter with figures from BHR Partners, an investment fund tied to Chinese interests.

AFL Obtains Photos Through Litigation

America First Legal obtained the photos through a lawsuit against the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The images were initially scheduled for release on Oct. 23, 2024 -- just days prior to the U.S. presidential election. AFL alleged that attorneys representing Biden and former President Obama delayed their release until after Election Day.

The conservative group, founded by Stephen Miller, a former Trump advisor, released the photos to the public on Dec. 23.

AFL’s statement claimed the images highlighted ties between Biden, Hunter, Chinese officials, and Hunter’s business connections.

Hunter’s Business Ties Draw Scrutiny

Hunter Biden’s business activities have long been a subject of controversy. During Biden’s tenure as vice president, Hunter held a 10% stake in BHR Partners, which facilitated deals involving Chinese businesses. Critics argue this connection contradicts Joe Biden’s repeated claims that he never discussed business with his son.

Additional photographs show Joe Biden alongside Hunter’s business associates, Jonathan Li and Ming Xue, during the Beijing trip. These images have further fueled speculation about potential overlaps between Biden’s political role and Hunter’s financial interests.

Biden's Pardon of Hunter Adds to Tension

The release of the photos follows President Biden’s recent pardon of Hunter Biden.

Convicted on federal tax evasion and gun charges, the pardon has been controversial, with polls indicating only 22% of Americans support the decision. The timing of the photo release has added to ongoing criticism of the administration.

Photos Present Timeline of Key Moments

The December 2013 trip to Beijing marked a pivotal moment in Biden’s vice presidency. While the visit was part of official duties, the inclusion of Hunter Biden and his interactions with Chinese officials have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that these meetings blur the lines between Biden’s public office and Hunter’s private business dealings.

The AFL stated via social media that NARA originally planned to release the photos by the Presidential Records Act. However, AFL claimed the delay was politically motivated, designed to withhold potentially damaging information until after the election.

Public Perception of Biden’s Claims

Joe Biden has consistently denied discussing business matters with his son. These resurfaced photographs, however, are being cited by critics as evidence that the president may have known about Hunter’s dealings. FOX News described the images as casting further doubt on Biden’s longstanding denials.

Statements from AFL and others have amplified concerns about transparency. AFL alleged that the delayed release was part of a broader effort to shield critical records from public scrutiny during a politically sensitive period.

Impact on Biden’s Political Standing

The release of the photos comes as Biden's term in office draws to a close. Critics argue that the images and their timing could impact his political legacy. Meanwhile, supporters contend that the photos do not substantiate claims of wrongdoing.

As the controversy unfolds, questions remain about the implications of Biden’s interactions with Chinese officials and Hunter’s business associates.

The timing of AFL’s release, coupled with Biden’s pardon of Hunter, has only heightened the stakes. The photographs now serve as a visual reminder of the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Biden family’s financial and political activities.