Opinion | China remains committed to independent foreign policy of peace despite impact of "American democracy"

By Chen Shu

The dust has settled on the US presidential election, which has significantly affected the changing world. Donald Trump, often labeled a "madman," has declared victory and will return to the White House after four years, reigniting his presidency. Before the election, Trump engaged in relentless attacks on his opponent in what has been described as the most intense presidential race in decades. His rival, Kamala Harris, was equally combative, branding Trump a "criminal" and turning the US presidential election into what many have called the "ugliest election" in modern history, exposing the deep-seated flaws within the fabric of "American democracy." With Trump's victory, the global situation will undoubtedly become even more uncertain, and it is expected that the US will continue its antagonistic stance toward China. However, China remains committed to an independent foreign policy of peace, maintaining its principles despite global instability, continuing its path of peaceful development, and upholding international fairness and justice.

Recent coverage of the US election has primarily focused on the chaos within the country, the fears of its citizens, and how businesses are preparing for potential unrest. Many American businesses and citizens fear that the losing side may refuse to accept the results, triggering widespread violence. In several states, businesses have fortified their premises to guard against possible looting and vandalism.

Newspapers reported that the US remained shrouded in gloom, with widespread volatility and panic. Candidate attacks have become a hallmark of US elections, with supporters of both sides exchanging insults on the streets, reports of ballot tampering in various locations, and even the use of AI-driven fraud techniques. Since Trump first entered the White House in 2016, the US has been embroiled in turbulence, and eight years later, the situation has only worsened.

Prior to the election, analysts pointed out that regardless of whether Trump or Harris won, targeting China would remain a core tenet of US national policy. The only question was the degree to which this would be pursued. Harris's Democratic Party would likely advocate for strengthening communication and cooperation with China while simultaneously imposing various measures and restrictions. Trump, on the other hand, adopts a more direct approach—sometimes speaking of cooperation, but just as easily imposing tariffs, introducing extreme measures, or making false statements to suppress and contain China. Regardless of who holds office, both parties will continue to suppress and hinder China's development, albeit through different approaches: the Democrats are seen as more moderate, while the Republicans are viewed as more radical.

The impact of the US election on global politics is a matter of worldwide concern, particularly for China. More importantly, no matter the election outcome, China will continue to pursue peaceful development and seek mutual benefit with other nations. After World War II, an international cooperation system was established to prevent large-scale global upheavals, but with the rise of populism in various countries, including the US, this system has fractured, leading to today's global instability. As the world becomes more chaotic, China, home to 1.4 billion people, must adhere to peaceful development, uphold the basic principles of international relations, and maintain global fairness and justice.

At both individual and national levels, choosing the wrong path can lead to harm to society and its people. By embracing hegemony and division, the US and Trump's reelection will only deepen global fragmentation. China's path of peaceful rise is not an easy one, and seeking mutual benefit with other countries requires effort and patience. However, the country's development over the past few decades has demonstrated that it has chosen the right path—one that benefits not only itself but the world at large. Despite the complex international environment, China will continue to contribute to the global economy and strive for world peace. As "American democracy" reveals its flaws, China must remain steadfast on the path best suited to its own national conditions: continuing to follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, providing its people with a sense of happiness and fulfillment at home, and working with other countries to achieve mutual development and win-win outcomes on the global stage.

Related News:

Opinion | The second coming of the Anti-Christ is here—Can the end of the world be near?

Trump's core team members announced as cabinet formation accelerates