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China on Friday became one of the last major countries to congratulate Joe Biden on being elected president of the United States.
China, along with Russia, avoided joining the multitude of governments that congratulated Biden last weekend after he was projected to have garnered enough Electoral College votes in the Nov.3 election to win the White House.
“We respect the choice of the American people,” said a Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.
Ju Peng
China has now congratulated Joe Biden on toppling Donald Trump. In the photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“We congratulate Mr. Biden and (his running mate for vice presidency) Mrs. (Kamala) Harris.”
Wang did not give any reason for the delay, but said that “the result will be confirmed in accordance with the laws and procedures of the United States.”
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The Chinese government is mired in a tariff war with the Trump administration over technology ambitions and Beijing’s trade surplus.
Trump has also labeled China a security threat and imposed export restrictions and other sanctions on Chinese companies.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
US President-elect Joe Biden will take office on January 20.
Political analysts expect little change under the Biden administration due to widespread frustration with Beijing’s business and human rights record and allegations of espionage and technology theft.
