KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — The official reaction from Xi Jinping’s communist regime to President-elect Trump’s electoral success came across as predictable and lacking nuance.
“Our policy towards the U.S. remains unchanged and steadfast,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning articulated in a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon. “We will continue to navigate and manage China-U.S. relations based on the guiding principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”
National Taiwan University Department of Philosophy professor Yuan Juzheng recently returned to Taiwan after an enlightening visit to China on Monday. He observed that nearly every individual he encountered was eager to discuss the implications of the U.S. election. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he characterized a Trump victory as the “worst-case scenario” for Beijing. Experts on Chinese affairs, along with numerous Chinese citizens voicing their opinions online, anticipate a further deterioration of the already tense bilateral relations in the upcoming four years under President-elect Trump.
Throughout the campaign, Trump consistently signaled his intention to implement a tariff-based strategy regarding trade with China. Professor Yuan elaborated that, in 2018, China was “not psychologically prepared” when President Trump instituted significant tariffs on major Chinese corporations like Huawei.
TAIWAN REACTS TO TRUMP’S THEY ‘SHOULD PAY US FOR DEFENSE’ COMMENTS
In contrast to past sentiments, Yuan stressed that this time around, China is acutely aware of the economic repercussions such policies could impose, particularly as China’s domestic economy is under strain.
“Three critical issues will consistently influence U.S.-China relations: the three T’s — trade, technology, and Taiwan,” Zhiqun Zhu, a professor of political science and international relations at Bucknell University, told Fox News Digital mere hours before Trump’s notable electoral victory was officially declared.
On Wednesday, Taiwan’s President William Lai took to social media platform X to convey his congratulations, stating, “Sincere congratulations to President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your victory. I’m confident that the longstanding # Taiwan – #US partnership, built on shared values & interests, will continue to serve as a cornerstone for regional stability and lead to greater prosperity for us all.”
Taiwanese Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao echoed Lai’s sentiments on X, saying, “I join President Lai in offering my congratulations to President Trump, VP-elect Vance, and the American people. Looking forward to cultivating a robust Taiwan-US partnership, for freedom, peace, and economic prosperity.”
In Taiwan, public opinion regarding the U.S. election has been diverse and complex. While Trump’s forthright and sometimes contentious demeanor doesn’t resonate well with everyone, a recent poll indicated that more than 50% of Taiwanese respondents favored Kamala Harris over Trump. Nonetheless, many natives believe that Trump could be “better for Taiwan,” primarily due to their expectation of his hard-line stance against China. This assumption is also mirrored across the Taiwan Strait.
Donald Trump arrived at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, marking a significant moment in American politics. (Evan Vucci/AP)
Ross Darrell Feingold, a Taipei-based attorney and political commentator, represents a small cohort of Americans living in Taiwan who engage actively on TouTiao, a Chinese information platform owned by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. With over 150 million daily users, TouTiao functions as a blend of Facebook and X.
On the Sunday preceding the election, Feingold posted a thought-provoking question on TouTiao. After undergoing some rewording due to China’s stringent internet restrictions, his question was finally permitted for publication.
“As a Chinese person, do you believe Trump or Kamala Harris will be more detrimental to China-US relations?” he queried.
ENCIRCLING TAIWAN WAS A SMOKESCREEN FOR CHINA’S REAL GOAL OF CONVINCING US NOT TO INTERVENE, EXPERT SAYS
A Hong Kong police honor guard raised the flags of China and Hong Kong during a ceremony celebrating the 75th National Day of the People’s Republic of China in Hong Kong on October 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
His question garnered more than 30,000 views, with approximately 5,500 individuals responding. Among the varied answers, there was a notable level of support for the Democratic nominee Harris, who has been affectionately dubbed “Ha Ha Sister” by Chinese netizens, in reference to her characteristic laughter.
Feingold pointed out that there was a prevailing consensus among Chinese netizens: the U.S. is perceived as hostile toward China, and there is a reluctance to see China ascend to its rightful place as a global power.
“The feedback I received on TouTiao suggests that the public in China believes the U.S.—no matter who leads it—will aim to restrain China’s growth,” Feingold remarked in his conversation with Fox News Digital.
He also noted that discerning whether online comments reflect genuine sentiments or merely echo the narratives promoted by China’s state-run media can be challenging. Overall, he observes, the Chinese populace appears to interpret American policies on a personal level, feeling that they target ordinary citizens rather than simply critiquing the governing Chinese Communist Party.
Honor guards raised the Taiwanese flag at the Presidential Palace in Taipei prior to the National Day celebration ceremony. (Reuters/Carlos Garcia Rawlins/File Photo)
Zhu, the political science professor, provided an unsettling overview to Fox News Digital, stating, “While over 80% of Americans surveyed presently harbor negative views toward China, the positive perception of America among Chinese people has also diminished significantly. What has changed in recent years is that numerous Chinese individuals, including liberals, have grown increasingly critical of the United States and perceive it as unwelcoming towards Chinese students, tourists, and businesspeople.”
Zhu highlighted that certain states, like Florida, have severed virtually all cultural and educational exchanges with Beijing, straining the ties further.
In a gesture of solidarity, Japan, which maintains a fraught relationship with China, extended its congratulations to Trump on Wednesday. Barron’s reported that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed hope for the alliance’s elevation “to new heights” under Trump’s upcoming second term.
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In an image disseminated by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw artillery firing drills in North Korea on March 7, 2024. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
In a heartfelt message on X, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol congratulated and praised Trump, stating, “Under your strong leadership, the future of the ROK [Republic of Korea]-U.S. alliance and America will shine brighter. I am eager to collaborate closely with you.”
Although some speculate that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un may welcome Trump back to the White House, there was no immediate comment from the so-called “Hermit Kingdom.” Intriguingly, just hours before the election, North Korea “fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern sea,” raising eyebrows and concerns among international observers.
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Eryk Michael Smith is a Taiwan-based correspondent whose journalistic career since 2007 has encompassed roles as a broadcast journalist for the island’s sole English-language radio station, ICRT, in addition to contributions to various publications and local news agencies. His reporting primarily concentrates on Taiwan-China relations, local politics, and developments in science and technology within the greater China region. Based in Taiwan’s largest southern city, Kaohsiung, he can be followed @ErykSmithTaiwan
**Interview with Professor Yuan Juzheng of National Taiwan University**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Yuan. As a scholar of philosophy and a recent observer of the reactions to the U.S. elections, can you share your thoughts on how a Trump presidency will impact U.S.-China relations, particularly in the context of Taiwan?
**Professor Yuan:** Thank you for having me. The electoral success of Donald Trump has indeed stirred a lot of discussions, particularly here in Taiwan and across the Strait. Many believe his administration could exacerbate existing tensions between the U.S. and China. I would characterize a Trump presidency as potentially the “worst-case scenario” for Beijing, given his well-known hardline stance and economic policies.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned economic policies; how do you think Trump’s tariff strategies, like those seen in 2018, will play out if he returns to power?
**Professor Yuan:** Well, in 2018, when Trump first instituted significant tariffs on Chinese corporations, China was caught off guard. Today, however, China is more aware of the possible economic repercussions of such measures. Their economy is currently under pressure, and an all-out trade war could further intensify that strain. Expect resistance from Beijing against any new tariffs, which is likely to lead to a divisive back-and-forth that can strain U.S.-China relations.
**Interviewer:** Considering Taiwan’s position, how are sentiments toward Trump changing among the Taiwanese populace?
**Professor Yuan:** The opinions in Taiwan are quite mixed. While many citizens have traditionally favored Democratic candidates like Kamala Harris due to her administration’s approach to inclusivity and diplomacy, a significant portion believes Trump could ultimately be ”better for Taiwan” because of his demonstrated willingness to confront China. Many hope that his policies will reinforce U.S. support for Taiwan in the face of increasing Chinese aggression.
**Interviewer:** President William Lai and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao have both expressed congratulations to Trump on social media. How do you interpret this official stance?
**Professor Yuan:** Their messages signify a desire for continuity in the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. They are expressing optimism that U.S. support for Taiwan will remain strong, which is essential given the geopolitical dynamics. The Taiwan administration is likely looking to leverage a Trump presidency to enhance its security and economic ties with the U.S.
**Interviewer:** As we look towards the future of U.S.-China relations, what are the main factors to watch for?
**Professor Yuan:** The three T’s will continue to dominate the landscape: trade, technology, and Taiwan itself. Any developments in these areas will not only impact U.S.-China relations but will also directly affect Taiwan’s standing and stability in the region. Both countries must navigate these sensitive issues carefully to avoid unnecessary escalation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Yuan, for sharing your insights on this complex issue. Your perspective is invaluable as we continue to monitor the unfolding situation.
**Professor Yuan:** Thank you for having me. It’s critical that we stay engaged and informed as these events develop.
