China's President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following his victory in the U.S. presidential election, emphasizing the need for both nations to discover a constructive path for coexistence amid the threat of renewed U.S. tariffs that could reignite past trade conflicts. Xi articulated that stable and sustainable relations between China and the U.S. are beneficial for both countries, while also highlighting the expectation from the international community for these powers to respect one another and maintain peaceful coexistence. He advocated for enhanced dialogue to effectively address and manage their differences. Relations between the two nations had deteriorated significantly due to disputes over trade, security, and regional issues, but began to show signs of improvement after a four-hour meeting between Xi and President Joe Biden in California in November 2023. Trump's election could potentially bring back challenges reminiscent of his first term, during which he initiated a significant trade war with China in 2018, although a temporary truce was established just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020.
The Republican candidate, who has committed to implementing significant tariffs, secured a decisive victory over Democrat Kamala Harris in the recent election and is set to assume office in January. In alignment with Xi's emphasis on stability, China's commerce ministry expressed its readiness to collaboratively foster robust economic and trade relations with the United States. A ministry spokesperson indicated that China is open to enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit, while temporarily sidelining any discussions of possible retaliation in response to increased U.S. tariffs. Xi's congratulatory message to Trump was notably more restrained compared to his reaction following Trump's initial election victory in November 2016, when he advocated for "greater progress in China-U.S. relations from a new starting point" and emphasized the shared responsibilities of both economies in promoting global peace and development. Nevertheless, an editorial in the state-run China Daily suggested that Trump's second term could represent a "new beginning in China-U.S. relations, if the opportunity presented is not squandered."
U.S. policies and misunderstandings regarding China have created obstacles in their relationship. A pragmatic approach to bilateral relations is crucial for addressing the complexities of global issues. The Biden administration has maintained the trade policies established by the Trump administration, continuing to focus on China's state-driven industrial practices. In September, significant tariff increases were implemented on Chinese imports, including 100% duties on electric vehicles, 50% on solar cells, and 25% on steel, aluminum, electric vehicle batteries, and essential minerals, aimed at safeguarding key American industries. However, Trump's proposed tariffs of 60% on U.S. imports of Chinese goods present substantial growth risks for China, as these rates would exceed the previous 7.5% to 25% tariffs and come at a particularly precarious time for the Chinese economy, which is grappling with a severe property downturn, local government debt issues, and weak domestic demand.
Add comment
Comments