Originally published June 28, 2023 2:00 pm PDT
A recently disclosed WhatsApp exchange reveals that Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, sought a $10 million annual commitment from a Chinese energy tycoon, using the influence of his family name as justification.
The conversation, released by the House Oversight Committee, took place on August 3, 2017, between Hunter Biden and Gongwen Dong, an associate of CEFC, a firm with alleged links to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army, according to Fox News.
In his communication, Hunter states, “Very simple, 10 M per annum budget to use to further the interest of the JV. This move to 5M is completely new to me and is not acceptable obviously.”
He explains that the budget allocation would be used to promote the interests of their joint venture, with expenses being determined through consultation with his businesses, Owasco and Hudson West.
The text continues with Hunter expressing his frustration over the reduced budget, writing, “If the Chairman doesn’t value this relationship is being worth at least 5M, then I’m just baffled. I am tired of this…I can make $5M salary at any law firm in America. If you think this is about money, it’s not.”
He strongly emphasizes the merit of his family’s influence, adding, “The Biden’s [sic] are the best I know at doing exactly what the Chairman wants from this partnership. Please let’s not quibble over peanuts.”
A Senate report from September 2020 highlighted Hunter’s foreign business dealings and his associations with Gongwen Dong, Ye Jianming, and other Chinese nationals.
The report linked these individuals to the Chinese Communist government and the People’s Liberation Army.
This report disclosed that on August 8, 2017, just a few days after the discussed WhatsApp conversation, a sum of nearly $5 million was transferred to Hudson West III, a company Hunter Biden established with his Chinese associates.
The origin of these funds, according to the report, may have been a loan from Northern International Capital Holdings, a Hong Kong-based investment firm.
Uncertainty remains about whether Hunter was a co-owner of Hudson West III during this period.
The report further indicated that the received funds were promptly distributed to Owasco, Hunter’s firm, described as consulting fees, amounting to “$4,790,375.25 in just over a year.”
