Harris or Trump? What Chinese want from the US elections

Harris or Trump? What Chinese want from the US elections

The US presidential election is just around the corner, and the eyes from China are on candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Many Chinese citizens are concerned about how the election will affect relations between the United States and China. In Beijing's Ritan Park, where seniors dance and chat, the mood is one of a mix of hope for peace and fear of possible conflict. Mr. Xiang, a man in his sixties, said: “We don’t want war.” The talks in the park reflect concerns that an election decision could have serious consequences for global stability.

Fears range from possible military conflicts between the USA and China to an escalation of the already existing wars in Syria and Ukraine. One senior, Mr. Meng, argues that Trump is the better choice because he would consider economic sanctions against China but does not want to start a war. “Biden, on the other hand, seems to be encouraging more conflict,” he says. This is based on perceptions that are also spread in the Chinese state media.

The uncertainty about Harris

Kamala Harris remains a mystery to many Chinese people. In contrast to Trump, who at least has a clear, if controversial, policy, Harris is considered an indefinite quantity. During her last public appearances, she expressed a clear commitment to security and prosperity for all nations. “I don’t like Trump,” says a father who is in the park with his young son. “The problems between the US and China are too big, especially the Taiwan issue.” The uncertainties surrounding Harris' stance on Taiwan and the potentially more stable relationship it could offer are causing confusion and concern among some.

The Taiwan issue is a significant point of contention. China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and sees reunification as inevitable. The US, on the other hand, supports Taiwan while at the same time officially recognizing Beijing as the only Chinese government. In a recent interview, Biden expressed that the US is ready to provide military support to Taiwan in the event of a conflict, breaking the traditional course of strategic ambiguity.

Citizens are aware of the discrepancy in views on relations with Taiwan. “I worry that our different opinions could lead to conflict,” says one father. “I don’t want my son to have to go into military service.”

Economic fears and cultural aspirations

Economic uncertainty is another significant issue. Fears of high tariffs and trade restrictions that could be reintroduced under Trump are weighing on sentiment in the business world. According to Mr. Xiang, imposing tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods could have a catastrophic impact on the U.S. economy as these measures would ultimately affect American consumers. “These penalties will also affect innocent people in the United States and increase the cost of living,” he added.

Despite the political tensions, there is growing enthusiasm in China for exchanges with the USA. Young people like Lucy, a 17-year-old, dream of studying in America and hope for cultural rapprochement. "I think it's great that we have a female candidate. This is an important step for gender equality," she says. While Chinese state media conveys national pride, exposure to American cultural trends remains important for youth.

Although the number of American students in China has recently declined, many express a desire to break down social and cultural barriers. Hoping to address the cultural divide, Lucy believes more civic exchange between the two nations is crucial. “We may be a little reserved, but we are warm and invite Americans to visit us,” she says as she rejoins her family.

The election, which takes place on November 5, remains of considerable interest for China. The worrying statements about wars and international relations, as well as the question of which candidate could offer more stable relations, continue to be intensively discussed. The US attitude towards China is shaped not only by politics, but also by the deep connections that exist in people's everyday lives. For more information on this topic and ongoing developments in relations between the two superpowers, comprehensive reports can be found on www.bbc.com.