The 46th US President also said he had no idea if Donald Trump would be his opponent in four years time, nor whether there would still be a Republican Party. Many political commentators have suggested that the 78-year-old Mr Biden was just a one term president, keeping the seat hot for his Vice-President. The speculation has been fuelled by concerns over the President’s health and his abilities to cope with the pressures of America’s top political job.
In a series of worrying incidents over the past month, Mr Biden appeared to become disorientated and confused during a speech in Texas, as well as later forgetting the name of his Defence Secretary.
Then just last Friday, the oldest President in US history stumbled three times as he attempted to board Air Force One.
However, in his first White House press conference Mr Biden insisted that he would run again in 2024, “fate” permitting.
Mr Biden told reporters that President Xi Jinping “doesn’t have a democratic bone in his body but he’s a smart, smart guy.”
He said: “I told him in person on several occasions we’re not looking for confrontation, though we know that there will be stiff, stiff competition.”
The US president also issued an unambiguous warning to North Korea over its recent missile launches.
“If they choose to escalate, we will respond accordingly, ” he said.