China has a lot at stake in the US election, yet they find themselves in a delicate position of not openly rooting for a winner due to the complex relationship between the two countries. As the world’s two largest economies, the outcome of the US election will have significant implications for China’s economic and geopolitical interests.
On one hand, China has been accused of engaging in unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft by the Trump administration, leading to a trade war between the two countries. The tariffs imposed by the US have had a significant impact on China’s economy, with a slowdown in growth and disruption to supply chains. A new administration under Joe Biden could potentially bring a more multilateral approach to trade and address some of the concerns raised by the US, leading to a more stable environment for China’s economy.
However, a Biden administration is also expected to take a tougher stance on human rights issues in China, including the treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. This could lead to increased tensions between the two countries and further deteriorate the relationship.
On the other hand, a second term for President Trump could mean a continuation of the current confrontational approach towards China. While this could maintain pressure on China to address certain issues, it also risks escalating tensions and further disrupting global trade.
China is therefore faced with a delicate balance of wanting stability for its economy while also wanting to maintain its sovereignty and global influence. The uncertainty surrounding the US election makes it difficult for China to openly support one candidate over the other, as there are risks and benefits associated with both outcomes.
In the end, China’s approach will likely be pragmatic, focusing on managing its relationship with the US regardless of who wins the election. By working to find common ground on key issues while also standing firm on its core interests, China aims to navigate the complex landscape of US-China relations and safeguard its own national interests.