In a recently released transcript of closed-door testimony, James Biden, the younger brother of President Joe Biden, dismissed concerns about the family’s Chinese business dealings, citing “plausible deniability.” Former business associate Tony Bobulinski revealed the exchange during his testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Bobulinski testified that James Biden chuckled at the suggestion that the family’s dealings with Chinese businessmen could harm their reputation. The revelation comes as part of Bobulinski’s detailed account of a meeting with Joe, James, and Hunter Biden during the Milken Institute conference in California in spring 2017.
Describing the Milken Institute conference as a gathering of “thought and industry leaders,” Bobulinski recounted sitting with James and Hunter Biden at a bar in the Beverly Hilton. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a business deal related to CEFC China Energy, a Chinese Communist Party-linked firm. CEFC China Energy had paid $5 million to Hudson West III, a Delaware-registered corporation, between August 2017 and August 2018.
During the meeting, Bobulinski questioned James Biden about the risks associated with the family’s involvement in a business deal with a Chinese company. In response, James Biden reportedly chuckled and said, “Plausible deniability.”
Bobulinski, emphasizing the significance of this statement, urged the House Oversight Committee to inquire further into what James Biden meant by “plausible deniability.” The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. James Biden is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on February 21, where he is expected to face questions about his involvement in an alleged influence-peddling scheme connected to the president.
