As we’ve previously reported, the people of China are rising up and taking to the streets to protest the draconian zero-COVID policies of the country’s authoritarian president, Xi Jinping. Those policies include residents being locked out of obtaining vital goods and services, and inside their homes — in some cases reportedly with the doors welded shut — journalists being assaulted in the streets by Chinese police forces “for their own good,” and unconfirmed reports of deaths as the result of the government crackdowns.

Understandably, horrified Americans are curious to know what President Biden’s thoughts are on the developing situation in China, especially considering he recently had a meeting with Xi during the G-20 summit where precious few details were shared about what was discussed.

One thing we do know that wasn’t on the agenda during that meeting was the heated, ongoing international debate about the origins of the Wuhan virus. And sadly, the Biden White House’s cowardice on criticizing China over its deceptive analyses, reporting, and handling practices when it comes to COVID-19 also extends to the protests and crackdowns, as evidenced by the tone-deaf statement the NSC put out Monday in response to what was happening:

“We’ve said that zero COVID is not a policy we pursuing here in the United States. And as we’ve said, we think it’s going to be very difficult for the People’s Republic of China to be able to contain this virus through their zero COVID strategy. For us, we are focused on what works and that means using the public health tools like: continuing to enhance vaccination rates, including boosters and making testing and treatment easily accessible. We’ve long said everyone has the right to peacefully protest, here in the United States and around the world. This includes in the PRC.”

Left out of that statement, of course, was any condemnation of the state-sanctioned violence that videos shared to social media show taking place there. During the daily press briefing earlier, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby was peppered with questions from the press about why the Biden White House didn’t take a stronger tone in their remarks about the China situation.

Predictably, Kirby made a mess of things every time he was asked about it, refusing to tell reporters exactly how engaged (or not) Joe Biden has been on the protests, and refusing to explain why the Biden administration didn’t issue a forceful condemnation of the human rights abuses:

CBS’s @EdOKeefe: “The statement…that was issued earlier today didn’t include an explicit calls for China to stop detaining or harming protesters & journalists Why not?

Kirby: “We’re watch this closely…We continue to stand up and support the right of peaceful protest.” pic.twitter.com/vzazd2SkKu

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) November 28, 2022

.@SebastianAFP: “Can you give us a sense of how much the President is engaging w/this issue? Is he watching it personally, getting updated more than on maybe some other things?

John Kirby: “The President is staying briefed on…what’s going on inside of China.” pic.twitter.com/TQ2LTw5nnB

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) November 28, 2022

As to why Biden is playing coy at a pivotal moment in Chinese history, one that has the potential to impact world events and decisions made by other world leaders for years to come? Some would say it’s due to the delicate balancing act U.S. officials are often told to take when it comes to addressing the brutally repressive actions of the PRC. But there may be another component to this as well, as the New York Post reminded people:

President Biden’s family has extensive business relationships with Chinese government-linked companies and first son Hunter Biden reportedly still owns a 10% stake in a Chinese state-backed private equity firm.

Whatever the reasoning for the muted response from the United States, the result is the same. Chinese officials laugh while the supposed leader of the free world — a man who often lectures his own country about the need to respect democratic norms — in essence, looks the other way.

“Pathetic” doesn’t quite cover it, but that’s the best I’ve got right now.

Related: Joe Biden Sparks Concern After Bowing out of G20 ‘Leaders’ Event, White House Won’t Explain Why