A potential presidency by Kamala Harris could lead to stable but challenging U.S.-China ties, according to experts. While Harris has not visited China herself, she has shown a commitment to defending U.S. allies against Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. As a senator, she co-sponsored bills condemning human rights abuses in Xinjiang and supporting democracy in Hong Kong. Harris is said to be clear-eyed about the threats posed by China and emphasizes winning the competition for the 21st century.
It is uncertain who would advise on China policy in a Harris administration, but likely figures in the Trump administration would likely continue to have influence. Trump supporters on Chinese social media show various opinions on Trump’s China policies, with some admiring his authoritarian tendencies and others seeing them as potentially beneficial for China. However, experts warn against viewing U.S.-China relations as a zero-sum game and stress that what is bad for the U.S. is not necessarily good for China.
Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, has the most experience with China among the presidential candidates, having taught English there and led student trips to the country. Walz has been critical of China’s human rights record and emphasizes the importance of understanding the country before making judgments. In contrast, former President Trump has been criticized for his interactions with Xi Jinping, including walking into perceived traps during discussions about Taiwan and military exercises. Despite some praise for Xi, experts warn against looking up to him, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach in U.S.-China relations.
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