Do you know this man? What was Joe Biden showing to Xi Jinping on his phone?

New Delhi: In a surprising twist during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, an old photograph of Chinese President Xi Jinping surfaced, creating ripples online. The snapshot, taken at the Golden Gate Bridge, became a focal point as President Joe Biden showcased the image on his cellphone during their recent meeting.

Xi Jinping's youthful snapshot

Amidst the high-stakes discussions at the APEC summit, an unexpected moment unfolded as President Joe Biden shared a decades-old photo of President Xi Jinping at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The internet is buzzing with reactions to this unexpected diplomatic move.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying revealed the surprising moment on X, garnering massive attention online. President Biden, pointing to the photo, engaged President Xi, asking about the young man captured in the frame. The post quickly went viral, accumulating over 1.1 million views and 7,500 likes.

Pointing to a photo in his phone with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, President Biden asked President Xi, “Do you know this young man?” “Oh yes,” said President Xi, “this was 38 years ago.”🌞 pic.twitter.com/r65Em6Z7oS

— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) November 16, 2023

Global optimism as social media reacts

The shared photo elicited a spectrum of responses from social media users, expressing hopes for improved China-US relations and advocating for world peace. The unexpected exchange between the leaders resonated with users worldwide, emphasizing the potential impact of their cooperation.

Biden-Xi navigating through diplomacy 

Returning to the APEC summit, President Biden and President Xi Jinping engaged in their first in-person meeting in over a year. Strolling through the gardens of Filoli Estate, the leaders addressed key issues, from high-level military communications to the risks of advanced AI systems. Despite their differences, both leaders acknowledged the necessity of cooperation.

Light moments amidst serious talks?

In a lighter note, President Biden injected a moment of humor by reminding President Xi of his wife's birthday, revealing that it coincided with his own. The candid exchange showcased the human side of diplomatic discussions, emphasizing the personal connections that can bridge even the most serious international matters.