Following Donald Trump’s election victory, Xi Jinping promptly congratulated him, signaling a shift in US-China relations. Chinese state media adopted a cautious approach, while social media buzzed with mixed reactions, particularly concerns over potential tariffs. Experts suggest a Trump presidency might sidestep China’s domestic issues, but economic anxieties loom, especially regarding renewed trade tensions. Trump’s past tariffs and proposed increases could further strain China’s economy, complicating the geopolitical landscape as Europe monitors potential overcapacity issues from increased imports.
US Election 2024: A New Chapter in US-China Relations
Following US President Biden’s triumph four years ago, Xi Jinping, the leader of China, took over two weeks to extend his congratulations. This time, however, he acted more swiftly.
Xi Jinping wasted little time in sending his personal congratulations to Donald Trump, though his response was still slightly delayed compared to other world leaders. Chinese state media only reported his message on the morning of local Chinese time. In contrast to the previous election when Xi took over two weeks to congratulate Biden, this shows a notable improvement in response time.
In his message to Trump, Xi emphasized the need for ‘stable, healthy, and sustainable’ relations between China and the United States, urging both nations to treat each other with respect and enhance communication in the future. Prior to the election results, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed hopes for ‘peaceful coexistence’ between China and the US, highlighting Beijing’s desire for diplomatic stability.
With Biden seen as a pillar of the transatlantic alliance, this perception may now be shifting.
The Buzz of the US Election in Chinese Social Media
Chinese state media have generally adopted a cautious stance regarding the US election results. The main evening news program on CCTV briefly mentioned Trump’s victory, almost as an afterthought.
Conversely, discussions about the US election have exploded across Chinese social media platforms since Wednesday. Users have shared a range of opinions on Trump’s win; some express concern that his administration may impose tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially harming China’s economy and increasing unemployment. Others find Trump to be a more recognizable and entertaining figure compared to Kamala Harris, as he frequently appears in social media content.
Notably, Trump is the first US president to enter office while facing felony convictions, adding another layer of complexity to his presidency.
Experts Weigh In: Is Trump’s Presidency Beneficial for China?
Experts suggest that Trump may be less focused on issues deemed ‘internal affairs’ by China’s leadership. According to Shen Dingli, a retired professor and international relations expert, “Trump is not concerned with Hong Kong or suggesting US military intervention in Taiwan. He seems indifferent to China’s domestic issues,” viewing a Trump presidency as potentially advantageous for China.
Regarding Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, Trump has maintained a relatively restrained approach. Although the US has backed Taipei by supplying arms for self-defense, Trump has hinted at the possibility of withdrawing this support, a move that would undoubtedly frustrate Beijing.
What factors contributed to Trump’s electoral victory? An analysis by a US expert delves into this question.
China’s Economic Concerns Post-Trump Election
‘China is increasingly anxious about the potential economic repercussions following Trump’s inauguration, signaling a second round of the trade war,’ asserts Zhao Minghao, a professor of American studies at Fudan University. Under a Trump administration, China’s worries about economic impacts and a renewed trade conflict are significant.
During his first term, Trump initiated a trade war with China, implementing substantial tariffs on Chinese imports. Throughout his campaign, he reiterated plans to impose tariffs as high as 60 percent on goods from China, aiming to bolster US manufacturing and address the trade deficit. These proposed tariffs could impose even greater strain on China’s economy, already vulnerable due to ongoing real estate crises, substantial municipal debt, and weak domestic demand.
For Europe, increased US tariffs on Chinese products could lead to a surge in Chinese goods entering the European market, raising concerns in Brussels about overcapacity issues.
This report was originally covered by Deutschlandfunk on November 7, 2024, at 11:26 AM.