Chinese state media has intensified its focus on US political divisions during the election period, highlighting potential unrest and emphasizing that regardless of the electoral outcome, US-China relations are unlikely to improve. Reports portray the US election as a reflection of severe social divides, showcasing a continued belief that American leadership will maintain its stance against China’s rise on the global stage.
As the election results unfold, Chinese state media has seized the opportunity to emphasize political divisions within the United States, warning of potential unrest following the elections. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, who has consolidated power for life, Beijing has increasingly criticized America’s democratic mechanisms while reiterating its own one-party rule. In various reports on election day, state media suggested that the United States is experiencing severe internal strife, irrespective of which candidate ultimately prevails. The nationalist tabloid Global Times headlined, “US Election Day voting begins amid fears of violence, unrest,” while state broadcaster CCTV reported on the heightened security measures surrounding key locations in Washington, DC, downplaying the peaceful voting process. The Beijing Daily even claimed, “The US election, once considered a highlight of the so-called ‘beacon of democracy,’ may now become the starting gun of ‘social unrest.’” Despite the spectacle of the election, many in China view the outcome as inconsequential in terms of US-China relations. One Beijing resident, Li Shuo, remarked that regardless of who wins, the relationship with the United States remains precarious. This sentiment is echoed among Chinese citizens and officials alike, who believe that regardless of whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump is elected, US policies will continue to confine China’s global ambitions. In the past, Trump’s administration imposed drastic tariffs and initiated confrontational policies against Chinese companies, while Biden has aimed to stabilize communication yet intensified scrutiny over national security threats stemming from China. Furthermore, President Biden’s explicit support for Taiwan exacerbates existing tensions, underscoring the consensus within China that any US administration will persist in its efforts to contain China.
The context of the article revolves around the ongoing political dynamics between the United States and China, particularly during pivotal moments such as US elections. Chinese state media often contrasts its own one-party system with the perceived chaos of American democracy, especially in the face of divisive elections and a polarized electoral climate. The commentary from Chinese media highlights their strategy of using American political disunity as a form of criticism against Western democratic values, with an understanding that US-China relations will likely remain adversarial regardless of electoral outcomes.
In summary, Chinese state media has leveraged the electoral process in the United States to spotlight and criticize its internal divisions and potential for unrest. This strategic framing reflects a broader narrative that seeks to downplay the significance of the elections while affirming that the underlying tensions in US-China relations will persist, irrespective of the next occupant of the White House. Observers in China remain skeptical about the prospects for improved bilateral ties, affirming a uniform consensus that US policies will continually aim to contain China.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
