Trump secures White House return; China calls for calm ties

We do not yet know the official results of the election in the United States, but Donald Trump has already secured enough electoral votes to return to the White House in January 2025 after a four-year break. The 78-year-old politician has already received congratulations from significant world leaders.

On Wednesday, representatives of China also reacted to Trump's electoral success. Although Beijing maintained a neutral stance on the election, calling it an "internal matter of the United States," a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman expressed hope for peaceful cooperation with the USA.

"China's policy towards the USA is consistent and clear. We view our relations with the United States according to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation benefiting both sides," said ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday morning.

Chinese state media portrayed the presidential election in the United States as a reflection of deep social divisions in American society. Local journalists argued that the sharp campaign rhetoric was evidence of the USA's "political dysfunction."

Relations between the United States and China have been tense for several years, and a change in leadership at the White House is unlikely to alter the situation. Especially since Trump promises an even tougher policy for Beijing, during his first term, the politician initiated a trade war with China, raising tariffs on goods from the Middle Kingdom valued at approximately $300 billion.

After taking office in 2021, Joe Biden maintained the tariffs and even increased them in some important areas. Higher rates covered steel, aluminum, electric cars, and photovoltaics, among other things.