America’s number one enemy has to be China. And they want us to know it.
Because they have one stunning message for America after Trump’s landslide victory.
China’s official reaction to President-elect Trump’s victory was predictably measured.
“Our policy towards the U.S. is consistent,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters Wednesday afternoon. “We will continue to view and handle China-U.S. relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation.”
Professor Yuan Juzheng of National Taiwan University, fresh from a trip to China, observed that nearly everyone he encountered wanted to discuss the U.S. election.
He told Fox News Digital that a Trump win is seen as a “worst-case scenario” in Beijing. Both Chinese experts and citizens believe that under Trump, already tense U.S.-China relations are likely to deteriorate.
Throughout the campaign, Trump emphasized a tough stance on trade, openly advocating for tariffs on Chinese goods.
Professor Yuan noted that China wasn’t “prepared psychologically” for Trump’s initial trade policies around 2018, which included tariffs targeting companies like Huawei. This time, however, China is well aware of the potential impact—especially as its economy faces challenges.
“Three key issues will continue to dominate the U.S.-China relationship. They are the three T’s — trade, technology and Taiwan,” said Zhiqun Zhu, a political science and international relations professor at Bucknell University, just before Trump’s official victory announcement.
In Taiwan, President William Lai congratulated Trump on X, writing, “Sincere congratulations to President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your victory. I’m confident that the longstanding # Taiwan – #US partnership, built on shared values & interests, will continue to serve as a cornerstone for regional stability & lead to greater prosperity for us all.”
Taiwan’s Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao also took to X to extend her congratulations, expressing hopes for a strong Taiwan-U.S. alliance “for freedom, peace, and economic prosperity.”
Reactions among Taiwanese citizens were mixed. Many dislike Trump’s blunt style, and a recent poll showed over half preferred Harris. Still, a significant portion believes Trump’s hardline approach toward China could be “better for Taiwan”—an expectation shared by some in mainland China.
Ross Darrell Feingold, a Taipei-based attorney and commentator, is active on TouTiao, a Chinese platform with over 150 million daily users. On the Sunday before the U.S. election, Feingold posted a carefully worded question, asking, “As a Chinese person, do you think Trump or Kamala Harris will be more harmful to China-U.S. relations?”
The question attracted over 30,000 views and some 5,500 responses. While some supported Harris, many saw the U.S. as hostile to China’s rise, regardless of who is in office.
Feingold observed, “Based on the comments I received on TouTiao, the public in China seems to think the U.S. — led by a leader from either party — would seek to restrain China’s growth.”
Professor Zhu from Bucknell highlighted a shift in sentiment, noting that, “While over 80% of Americans surveyed view China negatively now, the positive Chinese views of America have also dropped … many Chinese, including liberals in China, have become more critical of the United States … and believe the U.S. is not welcoming Chinese students, tourists and businesspeople.”
Japan also extended congratulations to Trump. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, quoted in Barron’s, expressed hope that the U.S.-Japan alliance would “move to new heights” under Trump’s leadership.
On X, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol also offered his congratulations, writing, “Under your strong leadership, the future of the ROK [Republic of Korea]-U.S. alliance and America will shine brighter. Look forward to working closely with you.”
While some speculated North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would welcome Trump’s return, there was no official comment from North Korea.
However, the nation fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles just hours before the U.S. election on Tuesday, underscoring the persistent tensions in the region.
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