The US presidential election is always a matter of great anxiety and concern for the ruling Communist Party of China. That is why Beijing always keeps a close eye on this election.
Donald Trump’s victory in the last election has brought economic woes to China. Trump’s “America First” policy presents China as the greatest enemy for the United States and global democracy. The White House has waged a multibillion-dollar trade war against Beijing that caused a lot of suffering to Chinese technology companies. Not only that, Trump blames Beijing alone for the coronavirus epidemic.
However, despite all this, China wants Trump to win for the second term. The reason being said that if Trump wins, Chinese President Xi Jinping will be able to present his country as a global superpower.
Zhiqun Zhu, a professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Bucknell University, said, “China’s leadership may seek to seize the opportunity to strengthen its global position as a champion of globalization, multilateralism and international cooperation.”
Trump has withdrawn US from Asia-Pacific trade deal and climate deal as well. He has imposed billions of dollars’ taxes on Chinese goods. Even he has withdrawn his country from the World Health Organization (WHO) when the entire world was fighting against the coronavirus epidemic.
On the other hand, Chinese President Xi Jinping has presented his country as a champion of free trade. He has also presented himself as a leader in fighting against climate change. He has promised to share the coroanvirus vaccines with poorer countries.
Zhiqun Zhu said, “Trump’s second term may give China more time to grow as a superpower on the world stage.”
Philippe Lee Corry, a China expert at the Harvard Kennedy School, said Trump’s “America First” policy could bring long-term benefits to Beijing.
“This will partially alienate Washington from its traditional allies and allow China to become more strategic,” he said.
On the other hand, if Democrat candidate Joe Biden wins, he may not move away from Trump’s policy on Chinese products. Again, he will put pressure on Beijing for Uyghur, Tibetan human rights and Hong Kong’s independence. It will not be possible for China to accept Washington’s interference in internal affairs.
Zhiqun Zhu said, “Biden may be tougher than Trump on human rights issues in Xinjiang and Tibet.”
So on overall consideration, Trump’s winning is more desirable to China than Biden.
Pointing to that, Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of China’s Global Times, said for Trump, “You can make America whimsical and hateful to the world. You are helping to promote China’s unity.”❐
