In a statement on Wednesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed that China’s approach to the U.S. remains rooted in principles of “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.” This statement highlights China’s intention to maintain a stable relationship with the U.S., even as analysts and citizens express concerns about potential challenges under the new administration.
Professor Yuan Juzheng of National Taiwan University observed heightened interest in the U.S. election during a recent visit to China, where many voiced apprehensions about the potential impact of a Trump-led administration. Yuan described Trump’s re-election as a “worst-case scenario” for Beijing, with online discussions and expert opinions suggesting that U.S.-China relations could face further strain over the next four years.
Trump’s campaign emphasized tariffs as a key component of his strategy on China, recalling the tariffs imposed on major Chinese firms like Huawei in 2018. Yuan noted that, unlike in the past, China is now more prepared for potential economic repercussions as it navigates internal economic challenges.
Experts expect that “trade, technology, and Taiwan” will shape the U.S.-China relationship. Zhiqun Zhu, a professor of international relations at Bucknell University, anticipates these issues to be focal points in the coming years, which could further complicate the geopolitical landscape.
Taiwan’s President William Lai and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao congratulated Trump on social media, expressing hopes for a resilient Taiwan-U.S. alliance built on shared values. Within Taiwan, opinions about the U.S. election are split; while some find Trump’s assertive style off-putting, others believe his hardline stance on China could benefit Taiwan’s security. This sentiment resonates with some on the Chinese mainland, where opinions vary regarding the U.S. leadership.
Ross Darrell Feingold, a Taipei-based lawyer, conducted an informal survey on TouTiao, a popular Chinese social platform, asking users whether Trump or Harris might be more detrimental to U.S.-China relations. Despite adjustments to the question to meet China’s internet restrictions, the survey garnered over 5,500 responses, with many favoring Harris, who is affectionately called “Ha Ha Sister” by some Chinese users. Yet, a common perception emerged that the U.S. aims to curtail China’s rise regardless of leadership.
Feingold noted an increasing perception among Chinese citizens that U.S. policies target them personally rather than solely critiquing the Chinese government. He suggested that it can be challenging to differentiate authentic public opinion from views shaped by state media influence.
Professor Zhu from Bucknell has observed a significant shift in Chinese public sentiment toward the U.S., even among liberals, with many feeling unwelcome in America, particularly students and business professionals. Some U.S. states, such as Florida, have taken steps to reduce cultural and educational exchanges with Beijing, further affecting perceptions.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also congratulated Trump, expressing hopes for reinforced U.S.-Japan relations amid regional security concerns. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the U.S.-ROK alliance.
In contrast, North Korea has remained notably silent following Trump’s victory, though hours before the election results, the nation launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern coast, underscoring the complex dynamics in the region as U.S. allies and neighbors prepare for the administration’s foreign policy approach.
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