Chinese Official Prefers Kamala Harris Over Trump in U.S. Elections Amid Concerns of Strained Relations

A high-ranking Chinese official, Jia Qingguo, has openly expressed his preference for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential elections. Jia, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), remarked that the bilateral relations between China and the U.S. deteriorated under Trump’s presidency, leading to diplomatic standoffs and economic confrontations.

Trump's administration imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese exports, which led to significant economic strain on China. His confrontational stance on issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing China of being responsible for the global outbreak, worsened tensions. Jia Qingguo believes that a second Trump presidency would revive these conflicts and further destabilize the delicate relationship between the two nations.

On the other hand, Harris, as Vice President under Biden, is seen as a symbol of continuity in U.S. foreign policy. While Biden’s administration has not shied away from taking firm stances on issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea, it has maintained diplomatic channels and regular engagement with China. Jia remarked that despite disagreements, Biden’s approach has been more stable and less volatile compared to Trump’s.

China remains cautious about publicly commenting on U.S. domestic politics to avoid accusations of interference. However, Jia’s remarks highlight China's apprehension about Trump’s potential return to power and the negative impact it could have on an already fragile relationship between the world’s two largest economies.