Amidst mounting allegations, House Republicans unveil damning evidence suggesting Hunter Biden misled Congress about leveraging his father's influence in Chinese business affairs, igniting fresh scrutiny and raising questions about potential ramifications for the Biden administration.

Top Points
1. Allegations of Federal Felony: House Republicans assert that Hunter Biden committed a federal felony by lying to Congress about using his father's name to pressure Chinese business partners, supported by a trove of encrypted messages released on Wednesday.
2. Questioning Biden's Testimony: Despite Hunter Biden's dismissal of the messages during his deposition, newly disclosed phone records suggest he communicated with a CEFC China Energy official named Raymond Zhao, casting doubt on his previous testimony and raising concerns about potential perjury.
3. Implications for Biden Administration: The revelations intensify scrutiny on Joe Biden's involvement in his son's business dealings, particularly as messages allude to the then-vice president. With Hunter Biden facing impending trial on other charges, the controversy adds further pressure and scrutiny to the Biden administration.
House Republicans released new documents alleging that Hunter Biden lied to Congress about using his father's influence to pressure Chinese business partners in 2017. They claim a trove of encrypted messages "indisputably" shows Hunter Biden committed a federal felony by invoking his father's name during business dealings. Rep. Jason Smith (R., Mo.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, emphasized the gravity of lying under oath and demanded accountability. The messages, sent to a CEFC China Energy official named Zhao, include demands for payments and veiled threats. Despite Hunter Biden's dismissal of the messages in a deposition, phone records released by Smith suggest otherwise, indicating communication with a CEFC China Energy official named Raymond Zhao. The exchange raises questions about Joe Biden's involvement, particularly as messages refer to "VP," seemingly alluding to the then-vice president. Hunter Biden's forthcoming trial on gun and tax evasion charges adds to the scrutiny, as does his past denials of his father's direct involvement in his business dealings. The relationship between Hunter Biden and CEFC China Energy, known for its ties to Chinese military intelligence, has long puzzled observers, especially given the lack of visible work by Biden for the company. The saga deepens with revelations of a failed Louisiana gas terminal deal and a $1 million payment to represent a indicted executive, Patrick Ho. Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, has not commented on the matter.