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BEIJING: China said on Monday (Nov 9) that it took note of Joe Biden’s declaration of victory in the US presidential election, but does not send any congratulatory messages.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the outcome of the elections would be determined in accordance with US laws and procedures and that China would follow international practices to spread its sentiments.
China has had a troubled relationship with President Donald Trump, characterized by increasing friction over trade, technology and competition for influence in Asia and the world.
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Analysts say Biden will likely return the ties to a less contentious state, although Beijing has remained throughout the election in a position not to comment directly on what it says is an internal US political problem.
“I realized that Mr. Biden has declared the election victory,” Wang told reporters at a daily briefing. “We understand that the outcome of the presidential elections will be determined by following US laws and procedures.”
China “will follow international practices” regarding a statement on the outcome, Wang said.
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China is one of the few major nations that has yet to release statements on the elections, in which Democrat Biden was the winner over incumbent Republican Trump after days of counting the votes. Trump has yet to give in and is challenging the count in several districts.
China’s vision aligns both with its declared policy of non-intervention in the internal political affairs of other countries and with its desire to hedge its bets with any party that ends up in office.
Without commenting on an election winner, Wang said Beijing “will always maintain that China and the United States should strengthen dialogue and community,” expand cooperation, and “manage and control differences based on mutual respect.”
