Biden to Putin - Lets us be friend Xi feels Jilted

Biden's call to Putin puts Xi on the defensive

Of the flurry of diplomatic activity that took place this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping undoubtedly devoted his greatest attention to the April 16 summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.   But it was the less-touted phone conversation between Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin three days earlier that may have astonished Xi the most. During their second call since late January, Biden proposed an in-person meeting with Putin in a third country in the coming months.   Xi has received no such invitation. Speculation suggests the two leaders will meet in June, which would be particularly uncomfortable for Xi. On July 1, the Chinese Communist Party celebrates the 100th anniversary of its establishment -- a big moment for Xi, who doubles as the party's general secretary.   On Thursday, Russia announced the end to a massive troop buildup near Ukraine, further heightening Xi's suspicion that preparations are beginning for such a U.S.-Russia summit.