TLDR:
China pledges noninterference in US election
Foreign meddling threats remain a concern
US-China tensions over Taiwan continue
WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Thursday Times) — China issued a pointed Election Day message to former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, stressing a policy of noninterference in the American democratic process. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to respecting the internal affairs of the United States, according to an exclusive statement given to Newsweek.
As Americans cast their votes, China expressed a hope for stable, cooperative relations regardless of the victor. Liu’s comments emphasised mutual respect and non-aggression, echoing Beijing’s long-standing diplomatic rhetoric while underscoring concerns about bilateral relations.
China’s position on the US election
Beijing’s statement comes as the United States remains on edge over potential foreign election interference. With relations strained by trade disputes, human rights issues, and concerns over Taiwan, China’s message sought to neutralise allegations of meddling. Liu highlighted a vision for peaceful coexistence, stressing the importance of win-win cooperation and mutual advancement in global affairs. The embassy’s remarks were seen as an attempt to mitigate criticisms often levelled by U.S. political figures.
The tension has been exacerbated by a recent FBI warning. The Bureau, in collaboration with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, issued a joint statement on November 4 highlighting Russia and Iran as active threats. The agencies cited ongoing foreign campaigns aimed at undermining voter confidence and aggravating divisions, yet China was notably less frequently mentioned.
FBI warnings on foreign interference
The Intelligence Community observed an uptick in influence operations from Russia, intensifying in the days leading to the election. With narratives targeting the electoral process, the warnings stressed how interference, particularly in swing states, aimed to divide the public. A Microsoft report from October had flagged potential risks from Russian, Iranian, and Chinese actors, though U.S. authorities have focused on Russian activities as the most acute threat.
According to intelligence assessments, China’s influence campaigns have been subtler, reportedly focused on undermining specific down-ballot Republicans. Critics of China, such as Representative Barry Moore and Senator Marsha Blackburn, were cited as primary targets. These revelations prompted renewed debate over the nature and scale of Beijing’s influence, but officials continue to downplay claims of direct electoral meddling.
US-China relations and Taiwan
Amidst these claims, U.S.-China relations remain fragile, particularly over Taiwan. A recent $2 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan was met with fury in Beijing, prompting strong condemnation from Chinese officials. The deal included advanced radar and missile systems, which the U.S. justifies under its Taiwan Relations Act commitments. However, Beijing regards Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory, often threatening retaliation to safeguard its claim.
Trump and Harris have clashed over approaches to China. During her campaign, Harris vowed to maintain a tough stance, supporting Taiwan’s defence rights. She cited past trade disputes, denouncing Trump’s trade war with China as a failure that harmed American industries. Trump, known for his aggressive tariffs and confrontational policies, has kept his position on Taiwan ambiguous, criticising Chinese trade practices but leaving security assurances vague.