Chinese state media is highlighting U.S. political divisions amid election results, portraying the elections as a reflection of societal dysfunction. With skepticism about improvements in U.S.-China relations regardless of candidate outcomes, coverage focuses on unrest fears over the democratic process. Chinese citizens express indifference towards the electoral victor, believing U.S. policies containing China’s rise will persist.
As election results unfold in the United States, Chinese state media has seized the opportunity to emphasize the prevailing political divisions within America, raising concerns about potential post-election turmoil. The Chinese government, led by President Xi Jinping, has consistently reacted to criticisms from Washington regarding its one-party authoritarianism by mocking the American political landscape and its democratic ideals. Through a series of reports on Election Day, state outlets portrayed the electoral process as indicative of profound social discord and political dysfunction in the U.S., while expressing skepticism that the outcome would improve already strained bilateral relations. For example, the nationalist tabloid Global Times reported, “US Election Day voting begins amid fears of violence, unrest.” Furthermore, state broadcaster CCTV highlighted scenes of boarded-up businesses and enhanced security measures in Washington, D.C., in anticipation of potential chaos rather than focusing on the democratic participation of millions. The Beijing Daily contended, “The US election, once considered a highlight of the so-called ‘beacon of democracy,’ may now become the starting gun of ‘social unrest.’” Discussions on Chinese social media platforms reflected an increasing focus on the spectacle of the election rather than its substantive implications, reinforcing a belief that regardless of the election’s outcome, tensions in U.S.-China relations would persist. Ordinary citizens expressed a sentiment of resigned indifference towards the U.S. presidents, postulating that the eventual winner—whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump—would uphold policies aimed at constraining China’s global ascendance. This perspective is buoyed by a consistent view within China that American administrations are predestined to address China’s rise as a security threat, leading to ongoing disputes over tariffs and support for Taiwan. Notably, the sentiments expressed by a Weibo user encapsulated this viewpoint: “(It) doesn’t matter who it is (that wins), their containment of China won’t ease.” Such reflections reveal a broader consensus in China that U.S. foreign policy will maintain its adversarial course irrespective of who assumes the presidency.
The article discusses the portrayal of the U.S. electoral process by Chinese state media during the recent election period. It highlights the underlying narrative propagated by Beijing, which capitalizes on American political strife to undermine faith in democratic governance. Moreover, the response of Chinese citizens and officials to the election results reveals a pervasive belief that U.S. relations with China will remain contentious, regardless of the electoral victor.
In summary, Chinese state media has emphasized divisions within the U.S. as election results emerge, illustrating their long-standing criticism of American democracy. Observers express a belief that upcoming U.S. leadership, regardless of affiliation, will continue to pursue policies perceived as hostile towards China’s global ambitions. This situation reaffirms a prevailing sentiment in China that bilateral relations will remain strained irrespective of the electoral outcome, thereby showcasing the complexities in U.S.-China dynamics.
Original Source: www.cnn.com