When Kamala Harris delivered her keynote address to US Democrats on Thursday night, the audience extended far beyond the convention hall in Chicago – all the way to policymakers in Beijing.
For China’s leaders, the sudden elevation of Harris last month added an extra layer of uncertainty to an already crucial election for US-China relations. With Biden and Trump both seen as hawks when it comes to China, Harris’s stance on relations with Beijing is now under scrutiny.
While Harris has a history of defending human rights in regions like Hong Kong and Xinjiang, Trump has been more aggressive towards China with his trade war and tariff threats. In her speech at the Democratic convention, Harris made it clear that she prioritizes America’s success over China’s.
On the other hand, Trump has repeatedly criticized China and portrayed himself as tough on Beijing. His approach to China has been a central theme in his campaign.
Before becoming vice-president, Harris had limited exposure to foreign affairs. However, her travels and interactions with leaders like Xi Jinping have given her some insight into international relations. The composition of Harris’s foreign policy team will also play a crucial role in shaping her approach towards China.
While Biden has sought to balance competition with cooperation in US-China relations, Trump’s administration is viewed as more confrontational. Chinese policymakers are wary of a second Trump term and the potential implications for their country.
Some argue that another Trump presidency could actually benefit China by creating chaos in the US and disrupting Western alliances. However, others caution against this view, pointing to Trump’s past actions towards China.
In contrast, Harris is seen as a more predictable and stable option when it comes to US-China relations. Her approach is expected to be less aggressive than Trump’s, with a focus on policy continuity.
Overall, the choice between Harris and Trump is seen as a challenging one for Beijing, as both candidates present unique challenges and opportunities for US-China relations.