China Desires “Peaceful Coexistence” With US Despite Election Outcome
China has expressed its desire for a “peaceful coexistence” with the United States in the aftermath of the US presidential election, which saw Donald Trump emerge as the winner. This sentiment was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Wednesday. She stated that China’s policy towards the US remains consistent and clear, and is founded on principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Chinese government has officially adopted a neutral stance on the US election, referring to it as “an internal US issue”. However, Chinese state media has portrayed the US vote as a reflection of deep social divisions and political dysfunction within the US. There is a widespread sentiment in China that bilateral relations are unlikely to improve, regardless of the election’s outcome.
Anticipated Rivalry Over Trade, Technology, and Security
Despite these peaceful declarations on an official level, strategists anticipate that Beijing is preparing for an intense rivalry with the US over trade, technology, and security issues. Chinese strategists are bracing for more heated rhetoric and exaggerated tariffs from Trump. Some believe that Trump’s isolationist foreign policy could provide an opportunity for Beijing to expand its global influence.
