Hong Kong
CNN
—
As election results from the United States began to emerge, Chinese state media seized the opportunity to highlight the evident political polarization and potential for post-election turmoil in its rival superpower, the United States, thus enhancing their narrative regarding Washington’s instability.
Beijing has consistently reacted adversely to Washington’s criticism, particularly regarding its rigid one-party authoritarian governance. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, whose presidency has evolved into a lifetime rule, state-run outlets have increasingly ridiculed the American political system and its notions of liberal democracy.
In a series of reports and commentaries on election day, state media sought to portray the electoral process as a manifestation of profound societal divisions and significant political dysfunction gripping the United States. Many in China share the sentiment that irrespective of the election outcome, the already strained bilateral relations between the US and China are unlikely to see any improvement.
“US Election Day voting begins amid fears of violence, unrest,” proclaimed a headline in the nationalist outlet Global Times, reflecting a broader Chinese narrative aiming to capitalize on perceived instability within America.
On the state broadcaster CCTV, a correspondent’s report emanating from Washington, D.C., emphasized the sight of boarded-up businesses, heightened police presence, and the installation of metal fences encircling the White House and Capitol Hill, purportedly to “prepare for the worst-case scenario of chaos,” while significantly downplaying the millions of citizens peacefully engaging in their democratic rights.
“The US election, once regarded as a highlight of the so-called ‘beacon of democracy,’ may now signal the onset of ‘social unrest,’” stated the state-run Beijing Daily in a commentary broadcast across social media platforms.
“The election feels like theater, filled with controversies. The root lies in the extreme polarization and division between the two parties, which has already created a sharply divided electorate,” emphasized a commentary, underscoring the perception of dysfunction within the electoral system.
Officially, the Chinese government has sought to maintain a facade of neutrality, categorizing the election as “an internal matter of the United States.”
“We respect the choice of the American people,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed during a routine press conference Wednesday, coinciding with projections showcasing former President Donald Trump winning multiple critical swing states.
“Our policy toward the United States is consistent. We will continue to view and handle Sino-US relations based on principles emphasizing mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” Mao asserted, signaling China’s unwavering diplomatic approach.
On various Chinese social media platforms, the US election rapidly became one of the most discussed topics during Tuesday and Wednesday. A popular jest circulated on the microblogging site Weibo, suggesting: “The country is so divided, they might as well break into US-A and US-B,” resonating with the pervasive sense of discord perceived among the U.S. populace.
For many Chinese observers following the electoral events, the emphasis leaned more towards the spectacle rather than substantial policy implications – they were left with the belief that, irrespective of the victor, the underlying tensions in the US-China relationship are here to stay.
“To us ordinary Chinese people, whoever becomes the US president, whether it’s candidate A or candidate B, it is all the same,” declared Li Shuo, a resident of Beijing, expressing a common sentiment among citizens just before the polls opened.
A significant reason behind this widespread perspective may stem from a shared belief among Chinese citizens—including policymakers—that the fate of Sino-U.S. relations is sealed in favor of a U.S. administration intent on curbing China’s ascent on the international stage, regardless of whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump emerges victorious.
Trump’s previous term saw the Republican administration implement tariffs impacting hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese products, initiate a campaign against the Chinese telecommunications conglomerate Huawei, and employ racially charged rhetoric concerning the virus originating from China, attributing significant global blame to the country.
The past four years under President Joe Biden witnessed a shift in diplomatic tone along with efforts aimed at stabilizing communications. However, the United States’ apprehensions regarding China’s potential threat to national security have only intensified, with Biden tightening the noose around Chinese tech sectors through investment, export controls, and tariffs that significantly affect Chinese companies.
Biden’s administration has also seemingly bypassed longstanding U.S. policy in boldly voicing support for Taiwan – a contentious issue for Beijing, which lays claim to the democratic island despite its self-governance.
“(It) doesn’t matter who it is (that wins),” voiced one user on social media in a widely shared sentiment on Weibo. “Their containment of China won’t ease,” indicating a pessimistic outlook toward future relations irrespective of the elections.
U.S.-China relations
Giant Huawei, and lead a broader effort to counter China’s influence globally. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has continued some of these policies, focusing on strengthening alliances and promoting democratic values, which further complicates the prospects for thawing relations.
Chinese commentators have noted that the entrenched nature of U.S. foreign policy towards China suggests that irrespective of the election’s outcome, significant policy shifts are unlikely. This perception is bolstered by the dominant narrative in both major parties that frames China as a strategic competitor, which has become a bipartisan consensus issue in U.S. politics.
As the Chinese media continues to spotlight Washington’s challenges, there remains a cautious but clear inclination to highlight their own governance model—steering the narrative towards stability and growth under a single-party system compared to the U.S.’s perceived dysfunction and instability. This approach serves their domestic and international agenda, aiming to position China’s system as a viable alternative to liberal democratic models, particularly in light of the current global political climate.
Furthermore, the fascination with the U.S. electoral process among the Chinese populace often contrasts with a pervasive skepticism about its effectiveness—a sentiment that grows in the face of visible divisions and unrest. Observers believe that while the U.S. grapples with internal issues, China has an opportunity to consolidate its narrative on the global stage, reinforcing its approach while observing its largest rival navigate through its own political storms.