Beijing: China has extended congratulations to Donald Trump following his U.S. election victory, with a call for a “pragmatic” approach to managing bilateral differences, especially as potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods loom. Trump, the Republican candidate who pledged to implement significant tariffs, secured the presidency with a decisive victory over Democrat Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s election. Trump is set to assume office in January.
“We respect the choice of the American people and congratulate Mr. Trump on his election as president,” a spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry said in a statement released late Wednesday.
Relations between China and the United States have long been tense, particularly around issues like trade, security, and regional matters such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. Trump’s second term brings renewed concerns over trade issues, which were prominent during his 2017-2021 presidency when he launched a trade war and imposed various tariffs on Chinese imports.
In an editorial published on Wednesday, the Chinese state-run newspaper China Daily suggested that Trump’s presidency could offer a “new beginning” in China-U.S. relations if both sides seize the opportunity for constructive engagement.
The previous U.S. administration under Biden maintained many of Trump’s trade policies, enforcing tariffs to counter China’s state-driven industrial practices. In September, these tariffs included steep hikes on imports from China, such as a 100% duty on electric vehicles, a 50% tariff on solar cells, and a 25% tariff on key materials like steel, aluminum, EV batteries, and essential minerals, aimed at safeguarding strategic American industries.
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China Daily urged that the incoming administration prioritize dialogue and enhance communication to address ongoing tensions. However, Trump’s pledge to impose 60% tariffs on U.S. imports of Chinese goods raises substantial risks for China’s economic growth. Unlike the 7.5%-25% tariffs from his first term, the proposed tariffs are markedly higher, posing significant challenges for China’s economy as it grapples with a severe property downturn, rising local government debt, and sluggish domestic demand.
The editorial emphasized that American policies and “misconceptions” about China have often hindered bilateral relations. “A pragmatic approach to bilateral relations is essential in navigating the complexities of global challenges,” the editorial stated.
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Highlighting the critical nature of China-U.S. relations, which it termed the “world’s most important bilateral relationship,” China Daily argued that positive management of these ties not only serves the mutual interests of both countries but also contributes to greater certainty and stability worldwide.
