Rishi Sunak said the world is “lucky” that Joe Biden is US President at a time when China poses a growing challenge.

The Prime Minister said there are “few leaders” who have as much experience as Mr Biden does in dealing with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that experience is “particularly valuable to me as someone who is newer to this”. 

Mr Sunak made the comments to CNN just before flying back to the UK after his two-day visit to Washington DC. 

He was asked what generational differences there may be between him and Mr Biden given that he is 43-years-old while the US President is 80. 

The premier replied: “It is hard for me to say, commenting on the outside. I find that President Biden’s experience is incredibly helpful particularly on issues like China. I think there are few leaders anywhere who have spent as much time talking to President Xi as President Biden has over the years. 

“At a time where China poses the particular challenge that it does, I think we are lucky to have President Biden’s perspective on President Xi. 

“I have found that particularly valuable to me as someone who is newer to this. As I said, I think the relationship that he and I have is delivering real benefits for our people in America and the UK.”  

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