Beijing, October 18, 2024 – A senior Chinese official indicated that China would prefer US Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump in the upcoming US presidential election, citing deteriorated bilateral relations during Trump’s administration. Jia Qingguo, a member of the Standing Committee of China’s top advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shared his views during an interview on Thursday.
While the Chinese government typically refrains from commenting on the US election to avoid accusations of meddling in domestic politics, Jia provided rare insight into Beijing’s perspective. “I would prefer Harris because of the bad experience with Trump. We don’t want to have that experience again,” Jia said, speaking to the BBC.
Tense US-China Relations Under Trump
Under Trump’s presidency, US-China relations reached a new low, culminating in significant confrontations. Trump’s administration levied heavy tariffs on Chinese exports, a move that strained trade between the two countries. The tariffs, which remain in place under the Biden administration, have had lasting effects, with Chinese exports to the US exceeding $500 billion last year.
The relationship further soured during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump repeatedly accused China of mishandling the outbreak of the virus, which originated in Wuhan, even suggesting it leaked from a bio lab, a claim that Beijing vehemently denied. The ensuing blame game contributed to a dramatic collapse in diplomatic ties.
Beijing’s Concern Over a Potential Trump Return
As Trump threatens to impose even harsher tariffs on Chinese goods, including a potential 60% levy if re-elected, China is growing increasingly concerned. With its economy already showing signs of slowing down, Beijing fears that such measures could inflict serious damage on its economic stability.
Jia remarked that Trump’s approach to China was “emotional” and spread “a lot of bad information,” heightening the tensions between the two global powers.
Although Jia noted that the Biden administration has also maintained a tough stance on China especially regarding issues like the South China Sea, Taiwan, and trade restrictions he emphasized that Biden’s policies have been more stable and predictable. “Under Biden, the US policy towards China is more stable, predictable,” Jia said, adding that regular dialogues between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have helped maintain a level of control over rising tensions.
Vice President Harris, Jia suggested, would offer continuity in the Biden administration’s relatively measured approach, making her a preferable candidate from China’s perspective.
Despite ongoing challenges, Jia acknowledged that the Biden administration has re-engaged diplomatically with China, allowing both countries to discuss pressing issues. These talks, he said, have brought a sense of stabilization to the relationship, something China hopes will continue.
As the 2024 US election looms, China’s preference for Harris highlights its desire for a less confrontational, more predictable partner in Washington, especially after years of turbulent relations under Trump’s leadership.
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