As the US election approaches, many Chinese citizens are closely watching the race, concerned about the global and domestic impacts of either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in the White House. For many, the stakes feel higher than ever, with Taiwan, trade tensions, and the Ukraine war all adding layers of complexity to Sino-US relations.
In Beijing’s Ritan Park, just near the American ambassador’s residence, Mr. Xiang, a senior citizen, expressed his anxiety, “None of us wants to see a war.” Many others in the park echo his concerns, sharing fears of potential conflicts involving not just China and the US but also ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Why Some Prefer Trump
Trump’s approach has resonated with older citizens like Mr. Meng, who believes the former president is less likely to engage in military conflicts. “Although he imposes economic sanctions on China, he does not wish to start or fight a war. It is Biden who supports Ukraine’s war,” Meng said, adding that Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office has created hope.
Chinese state media often emphasizes Trump’s stance on avoiding direct military involvement, contrasting him with Harris and the current administration, which Chinese reports suggest favor prolonged international conflicts. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has criticized Washington’s influence over both the Ukraine conflict and the recent violence in Gaza, arguing that the US exploits these situations for its own gain.
A Preference for Stability
Many Chinese feel Harris, though unfamiliar to them, might bring more stability than Trump. For some, her lack of focus on China so far could mean a less volatile relationship between the two nations. This sentiment is especially strong among parents like a father at the park, who fears that escalating Taiwan tensions could one day force his young son into military service. “I don’t want it,” he said. “I don’t want my son to go to the military.”
As Harris has expressed a general commitment to security without explicitly supporting Taiwan’s independence, her approach is perceived as less aggressive on China’s key issues. Trump, in contrast, has pushed for Taiwan to “pay for its protection,” and described the island as a competitor for American semiconductor manufacturing. His stance is viewed as a pragmatic, business-oriented approach to international relations.
A Nation on Edge
With tensions high over Taiwan and growing apprehension over American support for global conflicts, many in China remain undecided about which US candidate could ease international strain. The outcome of the US election, they feel, could deeply impact China’s trajectory and influence the broader Asia-Pacific region’s stability.
