A Notable Speech and a Niece’s Accolades
In 2011, Vice President Biden addressed the opening session of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, expressing optimism about the growing prominence of China, describing it as a “positive development” for both China and America. During his speech, Biden acknowledged Casey Owens, his niece, who had served as a special assistant for the U.S.-China Dialogue at the Treasury Department.
Owens, the daughter of Biden’s sister, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness Biden’s speech, highlighting his strong advocacy for improving relations with China. She remarked, “What a way to exit the Treasury.”
Owens’ Involvement with China’s Investment Fund
During her tenure at Treasury, Owens had extensive email correspondence with Hunter Biden and his then-business partner, Eric Schwerin, regarding China Investment Corporation (CIC), China’s sovereign wealth fund. A former business associate confirmed Owens’ significance as a resource for Hunter Biden and that a CIC meeting had taken place.
Connections and Assistance to Obtain a Business License
Owens’ email to Hunter Biden and Schwerin on April 12, 2010, outlined a recent CIC investment conference in Sanya, Hainan Island. This coincided with a visit by James Bulger, chairman of the Thornton Group, and Hunter to Beijing, where they met with CIC Chief Investment Officer Gao Xiqing.
Months later, a feature article in the Tower Hill Bulletin highlighted Owens’ Beijing trip in May 2010 as part of a U.S. delegation led by Treasury Secretary Geithner. Owens received a “small jade vase as a birthday gift” from China’s vice minister of finance, Zhu Guangyao.
Weeks after returning from Beijing, Owens forwarded a Bloomberg News article about CIC’s record year to Schwerin, who in turn shared it with Hunter Biden.
Uncle Jack’s Plea for Hunter’s Help
John “Jack” Owens, Casey Owens’ father, contacted Hunter Biden in May 2014, requesting assistance in acquiring a “Chinese Business License” for his telemedicine companies to expand in China. Owens stressed that securing this license swiftly was crucial. Hunter Biden responded, “Working on it-back to you ASAP,” and forwarded the email to Thornton Group Chairman James Bulger and businessman Michael Lin.
Bulger and Lin had arranged Hunter Biden’s first business trip to China in April 2010. The email chain suggests their involvement in exploring solutions for Jack Owens’ license request.
Thornton Group’s Potential Facilitation and MediGuide’s Partnership
Bulger’s email response to Hunter Biden indicated that Thornton Group could potentially offer a solution to Jack Owens’ business license requirement through their “WOFE,” a wholly foreign-owned enterprise.
MediGuide’s website currently states an agreement with AnyHealth Shanghai to expand their business in China under the name “MediGuide China.” It is unclear if this company is related to the discussions in the emails.
The Intriguing Web
The email exchanges and interactions paint a complex picture of the Biden family’s connections with individuals and organizations involved in China’s business and financial sectors. The involvement of Hunter Biden and Thornton Group executives in assisting with requests for business licenses provides further insights into these relationships and their potential significance.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
