Chinese President Xi Qing-ping congratulated President-elect Joe Biden, state media reported Wednesday, making him one of the last world leaders.
Two and a half weeks after Biden’s election, Xinhua News reported that Hsi had sent a message hoping that China and the United States would “maintain a spirit of conflict-free, non-confrontational, mutual respect and victory.” and promoting the “healthy and stable development of Sino-US relations.”
Xi’s message to Biden comes a few days after the Trump administration officially authorized the Biden transition after weeks of delay, even as Trump’s legal team continues to fight to overthrow the election results.
Unlike America’s traditional allies, who rushed to congratulate the elected president, China was one of several countries, including North Korea, Russia and Brazil, whose leaders did not immediately acknowledge Biden’s victory as President Donald Trump refused to allow the election, unjustifiably. alleging voter fraud.
However, the country’s foreign ministry did indeed congratulate Biden on Nov. 13, saying that China “respects the choice of the American people” in a succinct statement that runs counter to the country’s enthusiastic message after Trump won four years ago.
Xi congratulated Trump on November 9, 2016 – one day after he was declared the winner.
“I attach great importance to Sino-US relations and look forward to working with you,” Xinhua News Agency reported from Xi’s speech at the time.
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In the run-up to the U.S. election, China said it did not want to be involved in other countries ’internal affairs.
Relations between China and the United States have become increasingly strained during the Trump administration due to controversy over trade, the coronavirus epidemic, arms sales in Taiwan, China’s South China Sea territorial claims, and Beijing’s growing global presence.
But while Trump’s rhetoric against China has become sour, Biden may be ready for the hard line, having previously referred to Xi as a “bandit.”
Analysts expect Biden’s presidency to focus on the Uighurs ’human rights abuses, Hong Kong’s declining autonomy, and America’s return to the path of multilateralism.
Yuliya Talmazan reported from London. Eric Baculinao from Beijing.
Hajnal Liu consented.
