China is preparing for an ongoing geopolitical rivalry with the United States, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election. The main contradictions between Beijing and Washington - from Taiwan to trade - are expected to remain a major focus of Sino-U.S. relations, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
As Americans vote in one of the most tense elections in decades, China is anticipating a fierce competition with the United States, regardless of the outcome. Expectations are for increased tensions in the areas of trade, technology and security, regardless of which of the two leading candidates - Donald Trump or Kamala Harris - will take office.
Chinese strategists are considering a pragmatic approach from Trump, in which he could try to reach trade agreements and compromises on Taiwan. On the other hand, a Harris victory would lead to a more predictable course, similar to that of current President Joe Biden, focused on working with allies to limit Beijing-related technologies, as well as an approach on international issues such as Ukraine and the Middle East.
Chinese analysts note that regardless of the choice of the American people, relations between the two countries are likely to remain tense, given the growing rivalry and general distrust in Washington of Beijing. "Regardless of who is elected, structural tensions are an undeniable reality and a bipartisan consensus in the United States," said Henry Huiyao Wang of the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization Studies.
Experts at Peking University say that "strategic continuity" in China policy is almost certain, regardless of whether Trump or Harris becomes president. According to them, the new US leader is unlikely to take drastic measures such as a large-scale military conflict or a break in economic ties, which is why China has not expressed a preference for a specific candidate.
Meanwhile, opinion polls show that Trump and Harris have almost equal chances of winning. However, possible delays in announcing the winner are being considered, with the risk that Trump could challenge the results if he loses, as he did in 2020, Reuters notes.