Harris or Trump? What Chinese people want from US election

In China, there’s a palpable sense of curiosity and a hint of apprehension as people closely follow the US election, pondering its potential impacts both domestically and globally, regardless of who claims the White House.

“Nobody here wants war,” expresses Mr. Xiang, his voice rising above the park’s lively music as a nearby dancer spins his partner gracefully. Mr. Xiang frequents Ritan Park to practice dance alongside other senior citizens, and today, besides new dance moves, the approaching US election is also a hot topic of conversation.

The group gathers here regularly, mere steps from the American ambassador’s residence in Beijing. It’s an uncertain time for the two superpowers, with mounting tensions over Taiwan, trade, and a host of global issues.

“I worry about the growing strain in Sino-US relations,” says Mr. Xiang, who is in his sixties. His wish, like that of many, is for peace.

A crowd has assembled, listening in but hesitant to fully share their views. In a nation where discussing the US president is permissible, voicing criticism of their own leader can invite trouble. War, they say, is a common concern—not just a potential conflict between Washington and Beijing but also an escalation of the existing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

As for the election, Mr. Meng, in his seventies, expresses a preference. “I hope Donald Trump wins. Even though he sanctions China, he’s less inclined to start wars. It’s Biden who supports wars, like the one in Ukraine, where both sides suffer great losses,” he explains.

Nearby, two sisters recording a dance routine for social media add their thoughts. “In the debate, Trump said he’d end the Ukraine war within 24 hours if elected,” says one. They know little about Kamala Harris, other than that she seems to follow Biden’s approach, which they associate with supporting war.

Their sentiments align with messages circulating on Chinese state media. China has appealed to the global community to pursue a ceasefire in Gaza, asserting solidarity with its “Arab brothers” in the Middle East and holding the US accountable for its unflinching support of Israel.

Regarding Ukraine, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently addressed the United Nations, asserting China’s “constructive role” while accusing the US of “exploiting the situation for selfish gain.”

Although many experts think Beijing doesn’t have a preferred candidate, it’s clear that Kamala Harris is largely unfamiliar to both the public and Chinese leaders. However, some feel she could offer more stability than Trump on sensitive issues like Taiwan.

A father at the park, enjoying a family day out with his young son, shares his thoughts. “I’m not a fan of Trump. There are too many problems between the US and China—like Taiwan and the global economy. I don’t want my son to end up in the military,” he says as his four-year-old eagerly returns to the slide.

China views Taiwan as a part of its territory, with President Xi Jinping declaring reunification “inevitable,” by force if necessary. While the US upholds official ties with Beijing under its “One China” policy, it is also Taiwan’s most significant supporter. Joe Biden has even stated that the US would defend Taiwan militarily, a departure from the longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity.

Harris, on the other hand, has not gone as far. In a recent interview, she affirmed a commitment to “security and prosperity for all nations.” Meanwhile, Trump has taken a different stance, calling on Taiwan to compensate the US for its protection. “They took our chip industry,” he remarked. “They’re immensely wealthy. Why shouldn’t they pay for defense?”

For some, Trump’s proposed 60% tariff on Chinese goods is a major concern, as the country strives to ramp up exports to counter its economic slowdown. Many in China, including government officials, bristle at US-imposed tariffs, which began under Trump. Biden, too, has targeted Chinese goods, recently extending tariffs to electric vehicles and solar panels, which Beijing interprets as attempts to stifle its growth.

Mr. Xiang speaks for many: “These tariffs won’t benefit the US. They’ll raise costs for ordinary people there,” he says.

Despite their concerns, many younger Chinese are fascinated by American culture. Lily and Anna, both in their twenties, follow trends on TikTok and express national pride in their traditional Chinese attire. They love China, they say, but they’re also fans of the Avengers—particularly Captain America—and enjoy Taylor Swift’s music.

Seventeen-year-old Lucy, pedaling on a stationary bike in the park, shares her dreams of studying in the US one day, visiting places like Universal Studios after she graduates. She’s encouraged to see a female candidate like Harris. “Her candidacy is a step forward for gender equality,” Lucy notes.

China has never had a female leader, and no women sit on the powerful 24-member Politburo of the Communist Party. Lucy hopes that, despite the current tension, more exchanges between Americans and Chinese people can help bridge the divide.

While both sides have committed to this, the number of American students studying in China has dropped from 15,000 in 2011 to just 800. President Xi hopes to welcome 50,000 US students over the next five years. However, according to US Ambassador Nicholas Burns, some Chinese government officials have obstructed these public diplomacy efforts. Meanwhile, Chinese students traveling to the US report difficulties with US border officials.

Lucy, nonetheless, remains optimistic. She hopes to visit America one day to share Chinese culture, and as she steps away to join her family, she leaves with a parting thought for Americans. “We may seem reserved compared to people from the US, but we’re welcoming,” she says with a smile.

As the music swells again in the park, BBC correspondents continue their coverage around the world, capturing perspectives on how the US election may influence lives far beyond American shores.