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Image source,REUTERS / EPA
More than two weeks after Biden was forecast to be elected the next US president, China’s top leader Xi Jinping sent him a congratulatory message.
Shortly after Biden was predicted to win the US election, leaders of many countries, including German Chancellor Merkel, French President Macron and British Prime Minister Johnson, immediately called Biden to congratulate him.
Since then, although the spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed his views, the “silence” at the highest level in Beijing has caused widespread concern and different interpretations.
What did Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message say?
At 9:30 p.m. Beijing time on November 25, Chinese state media reported that Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory message to Biden.
In the congratulatory message, Xi Jinping stressed the importance of promoting the “healthy and stable” development of Sino-US relations.
According to Chinese official media reports, Xi Jinping said that this is not only in line with the fundamental interests of the Chinese and American people, but is also the common expectation of the international community.
Xi Jinping also said that China and the United States should “focus on cooperation and manage differences” to promote the healthy development of China-US relations.
On the same day (November 25), Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan also called Kamala Harris to congratulate her on her election as Vice President of the United States.
Why is it worth paying attention?
The congratulatory message means that the highest level of China has officially recognized the result of the American elections, although the current president of the United States, Trump, continues to question the result. In other words, Beijing acknowledges that Joe Biden will enter the White House in January 2021.
One view is that Beijing’s earlier “silence” appears to be watching the transfer of power to the US president cautiously.
The United States and China are the world’s first and second-largest economies, respectively.
However, relations between the United States and China have experienced much turmoil recently and are considered to be at their lowest level in 40 years. Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of Chinese state media “Global Times”, once said on Twitter that the distance between China and the US elections is to “avoid entanglement in electoral disputes.”
National leaders who have yet to congratulate Biden include Russian leader Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Brazilian leader Bolsonaro.
What did the Chinese Foreign Ministry say before?
Image source,EPA
Chinese Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference, Spokesperson Wang Wenbin
On November 9, at the regular press conference of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, American reporters asked questions. After most of the American media announced that Biden was elected the new president of the United States, many countries congratulated him. Biden. What is the reason for China’s delay in making a statement? Do you consider that the outcome of the US presidential elections is still uncertain or do you have other considerations? When will China send a congratulatory message?
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China “notes” that Biden has announced his successful election. “We understand that the outcome of the general election will be determined in accordance with the laws and procedures of the United States,” said Wang Wenbin.
However, Wang Wenbin did not directly respond to journalists’ questions about when China will send its congratulations, only saying that China “will act in accordance with international practices.”
On November 3, the usual press conference of the Chinese Foreign Ministry again asked reporters. Recently, more national leaders and heads of international organizations have congratulated Biden on his victory. What comment from China on this?
This time, spokesman Wang Wenbin replied: “We respect the decisions of the American people. We congratulate Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris,” “We understand that the outcome of the American elections will be determined in accordance with American laws and procedures.”
What is the prospect of cooperation between Xi Jinping and Biden?
Biden promised to be tough on China during his campaign. Both the United States and China have many analysts and he predicts that Biden will seek to join with America’s allies during his tenure and will unanimously demand that China abide by international regulations and international obligations.
Some people hope that Biden will continue to be a part of Trump-era China politics, but he will seek a path of coexistence of competition and cooperation, rather than continuing to turn into a “free fall” based on the US-China relationship.
As Beijing prepares to welcome the advent of the Biden era, many people are also concerned that Trump’s resignation is still two months away. The hawks in the current government may “let go”, as more pushing for sanctions has even caused “irreparable” bilateral damage.
