Xi congratulates Trump on election win, calls for ‘stable and cooperative’ US-China relations

The statement noted that Xi urged Trump to ensure the two countries find the right path for coexistence in the new era.

Xi called for both nations to strengthen dialogue and communication, effectively manage differences, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.

“History shows that cooperation benefits both China and the US, while conflict harms both.”

“A stable, healthy, and sustainably developing China-US relationship serves the interests of both nations and meets the expectations of the international community,” Xi stated.

“We hope both sides will uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, fostering dialogue and communication, managing differences appropriately, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, and finding a constructive way forward in the new era. This will benefit both countries and the wider world.”

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng also sent a congratulatory message to JD Vance, congratulating him on his election as Vice President of the United States.

Yesterday, in response to journalist questions at a regular briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning expressed hope for “peaceful coexistence” with the United States as Donald Trump approached the decisive victory over Kamala Harris in the election.

“We will continue to approach and handle China-US relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” Mao said.

“Our policy towards the United States has been consistent,” she added, affirming that the US presidential election is an internal affair, and that China respects the choice of the American people.

When asked by a Financial Times reporter about Trump’s stated intention to significantly increase tariffs on China and whether China would respond with additional fiscal stimulus measures, Mao responded simply: “We do not answer hypothetical questions.”

78-year-old Trump secured the presidency by surpassing the 270 electoral vote threshold, marking a historic comeback following his previous term in office.

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris conceded the election to Trump, acknowledging the shift of key battleground states to the Republicans.

As of 9:10 ET on Wednesday, over 2,800 of nearly 3,200 counties had reported more than 90% of their votes, indicating a decisive swing back to the Republicans in America.

Trump and Xi’s complex dynamic from 2017 to 2021

Both Trump and his rival Harris had pledged to get tougher on Beijing.

During Trump’s tenure as President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his relationship with Chinese President Xi was characterised by both personal rapport and intense geopolitical rivalry.

Initially, Trump pursued a cooperative relationship with Xi, hosting him at Mar-a-Lago and expressing open admiration for Xi’s leadership style.

However, as tensions escalated over issues such as trade, technology, and national security, the relationship shifted significantly.

The Trump administration implemented substantial tariffs on Chinese goods, igniting a prolonged trade war aimed at reducing the US trade deficit and addressing alleged unfair practices by China.

Trump’s hardline stance on issues including intellectual property theft, the South China Sea, and human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong further strained bilateral relations.

Despite these ideological and economic conflicts, Trump often expressed personal admiration for Xi, once calling him “an exceptionally brilliant individual who governs 1.4 billion people with an iron fist.”

Trump also frequently touted their warm relationship, even claiming he and Xi “love each other.”

Trump pledges high tariffs if China moves to blockade Taiwan

In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal editorial board before the election, Trump stated that if re-elected, he would impose tariffs on China if it attempted to blockade Taiwan, asserting that China would not risk provoking him because President Xi knows he is “crazy.”

“I would say: if you go into Taiwan, I’m sorry to do this, I’m going to tax you at 150% to 200%,” he said.