China’s Foreign Ministry called for “peaceful coexistence” with the United States on Wednesday, as Donald Trump closed in on a second-term victory over Kamala Harris in a highly charged U.S. presidential election. The ministry stressed that Beijing’s approach to the U.S. remains rooted in principles of mutual respect, despite rising tensions on issues spanning trade, security, and technology.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, in a routine briefing, expressed China’s consistent commitment to a diplomatic approach with Washington. “We will continue to approach and handle China-U.S. relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” Mao stated. This statement underscored a tempered response to a potentially confrontational U.S. administration.
While Mao did not directly address the anticipated re-election of Trump, she emphasized that China views the U.S. presidential election as “an internal affair of the United States” and respects the American people’s decision. She affirmed that China would proceed with its formal diplomatic engagements in line with customary practices, including a potential congratulatory call from Chinese President Xi Jinping, should Trump’s victory be confirmed.
The U.S. election has captivated public interest across China, reflected on social media platforms like Weibo, China’s popular counterpart to X (formerly Twitter). By Wednesday afternoon, numerous election-related topics were trending. Trump’s popularity and his often unconventional political style have made him a known figure in China, with many users commenting on the ramifications of a Trump-led America for China.
“Trump, congratulations! Focus on building your beautiful country and stop thinking about interfering with other countries,” read one widely shared comment on Weibo. Meanwhile, on Xiaohongshu, China’s equivalent to Instagram, a post declared, “The trade war has started,” sparking intense discussions among users concerned about new tariffs that Trump has proposed.
One user on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, shared a comment that resonated widely, receiving nearly 800 likes: “My family does foreign trade and their world has just collapsed.” Another comment on Weibo voiced concerns about rising tariffs, advising those in the foreign trade sector to “consider changing jobs as soon as possible.”
Both Trump and his opponent Harris pledged tougher stances on Beijing during their campaigns, though Trump has taken a more aggressive economic position. Among Trump’s proposals is a sweeping 60% tariff on all Chinese imports, which has alarmed Chinese companies reliant on the U.S. market. Additionally, Trump suggested tariffs of 10-20% on all U.S. imports, exacerbating fears of a worsening trade climate.
A man working in the insurance industry in Beijing, who preferred to remain anonymous, voiced a common sentiment among Chinese citizens regarding U.S.-China relations: “No matter what industry you’re in, people are indeed paying attention to him, what will happen to China next if he comes to power.” While acknowledging the potential challenges for foreign trade companies, he added, “According to Chinese wisdom, ‘it’s better to have a quick pain than a prolonged pain.'”
In light of Trump’s trade war approach, many in China have considered the possibility of yet another economic shock, leading some to brace for long-term restructuring of their businesses. The U.S. remains a crucial trade partner, despite the turbulent relationship, and Chinese manufacturers continue to rely heavily on access to American markets.
This election follows a period of escalating hostilities between the two superpowers. Trump’s first administration was marked by a tough stance on China, with tariffs aimed at addressing what he called Beijing’s “unfair practices” — including alleged intellectual property theft and currency manipulation. Tensions remained high under the Biden administration, with tariffs extended to Chinese electric vehicles and other products critical to China’s economic growth strategy.
U.S.-China relations have consequently reached a historic low, with both countries engaged in a rivalry spanning economics, technology, and military power. Even if Trump’s immediate focus shifts domestically, as some Chinese citizens have suggested online, his proposed tariff hikes could have immediate and lasting impacts on the Chinese economy.
As one analyst at the Beijing-based China Institute of International Studies explained, “A second term for Trump could mean greater constraints on Chinese exports to the U.S., especially if he follows through on his pledge for higher tariffs and broader economic restrictions.” Some experts fear a new round of trade barriers could harm not only Chinese businesses but also global supply chains that depend on U.S.-China trade.
During his campaign, Trump emphasized his intent to counter China’s growing economic influence, while also casting China as a potential national security threat. The Chinese government, adhering to a policy of non-interference, refrained from directly responding to his statements on the campaign trail. However, China’s official media have repeatedly stressed that Beijing does not wish to become a “political issue” in U.S. elections.
Some Chinese citizens voiced concerns about the rhetoric surrounding China in the U.S. election. “American politics are none of our business,” said several Beijing residents interviewed by AFP, expressing apathy towards U.S. political dramas. One young man took a more lighthearted approach, sharing that he was familiar only with Trump’s public persona, notably demonstrating a YMCA dance move that Trump has popularized at rallies.
Yet, others recognized the significance of the U.S. election outcome on China’s economy and international position. “Trump is unpredictable,” said a middle-aged businessman from the technology sector. “He has a very different way of handling things, and with him, no one knows what will happen to China next.”
If Trump formally secures a second term, analysts expect intensified competition and, possibly, further decoupling between the American and Chinese economies. A prolonged trade conflict with new tariffs could lead some Chinese companies to expedite their efforts to diversify export destinations beyond the U.S., exploring new markets in Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. In parallel, a Trump administration might enforce greater restrictions on Chinese investment in U.S. infrastructure, technology, and research.
Meanwhile, economic policy advisors within China are reportedly planning stimulus measures aimed at strengthening domestic demand to counteract potential losses in the export sector. At an ongoing meeting of top lawmakers in Beijing, government insiders hinted that stimulus packages could be expanded should the situation with the U.S. deteriorate under Trump’s leadership.
Beijing’s emphasis on “peaceful coexistence” signals a preference to avoid direct confrontation, particularly as China faces economic challenges at home, including slowing growth and a struggling real estate market. Nonetheless, the Chinese government remains cautious, wary of what it perceives as U.S. efforts to contain China’s rise as a global power.
In a recent editorial, the People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, reiterated that “China is not a threat but a partner for the world” and condemned any policies that “deliberately heighten tensions.” The editorial hinted at China’s commitment to dialogue but also warned that China would “firmly defend its core interests” should the U.S. adopt hostile policies.
In a climate of strained diplomacy, U.S.-China exchanges have been primarily limited to high-level dialogues, including security talks and economic working groups aimed at mitigating conflict. As China braces for a Trump administration’s potential policies, some experts suggest Beijing will prioritize stability over confrontation, perhaps pursuing more robust alliances with other global partners to offset possible U.S. economic sanctions.
