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China has extended its congratulations to the president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden, becoming one of the last countries to recognize its electoral victory over Donald Trump.
On Friday, nearly a week after Biden was declared the winner, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin praised the Democratic candidate and his running mate, Kamala Harris.
“We respect the choice of the American people. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris, ”he said at a regular press conference. “We understand that the results of the US elections will be determined in accordance with US laws and procedures.”
The comments contrast with when Chinese leader Xi Jinping personally congratulated Trump on his 2016 victory the day after the election, highlighting the uncertainty in ties between the two global powers.
Observers say the delay is likely the result of Beijing acting cautiously as Trump refuses to grant the election. The relationship between the United States and China has reached its lowest point in decades and there appears to be tentative optimism that tensions will ease slightly under a new administration.
In a speech earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the White House was “not done yet” with tough measures against China. Describing the ruling Chinese Communist Party as a “Marxist-Leninist monster,” he vowed to continue to pressure China to change.
Trump, two months into his term, signed an executive order on Thursday prohibiting US investment in some Chinese companies with military ties. In a radio interview on Thursday, Pompeo said that Taiwan, which Beijing claims is part of its territory, “has not been part of China.” The comments prompted Beijing to threaten “a determined counterattack.”
The United States has also criticized Beijing for passing legislation allowing the immediate disqualification of four pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong, prompting a massive resignation of opposition figures in the legislature. In a statement on Thursday, Beijing said the move was “the right medicine” for Hong Kong, in order to “start a new chapter to ensure the smooth running” of the legislature.
