After former U.S. President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at his rally on July 13, the American political landscape has once again been thrown into disarray.
In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden bowed out of the 2024 presidential race, throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic standard-bearer.
This unexpected development sent shockwaves through the United States and garnered global attention. Biden’s decision to step aside not only reshapes the dynamics of the Democratic primary but also introduces a new level of unpredictability into an already contentious election.
Biden’s withdrawal followed a storm of challenges. Recent health concerns, including a positive COVID-19 test, cast doubt on his ability to endure the rigors of another presidential campaign—let alone another term. What’s more, his political capital had been waning, as evidenced by declining poll numbers and a decrease in donor support. The growing chorus of influential party voices calling for new leadership only compounded the pressure on him not to seek reelection.
Meanwhile, the Republican camp faces its own turmoil. The shocking shooting incident that occurred at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13 has further inflamed an already volatile political climate in the U.S. The event served as a stark reminder of the deep divisions plaguing American society and the potential for violence in an increasingly polarized electorate.
Amid this tumultuous backdrop, both parties have zeroed in on China as a key campaign issue. Trump continues to hammer home his message about China’s alleged impact on U.S. jobs and prosperity.
The Biden administration, for its part, has focused on the perceived security threats posed by Chinese technology. This fixation on China by both sides of the political aisle adds yet another layer of complexity to an already fraught China-U.S. relationship.
During a livestreamed discussion organized by the official social media account of Beijing Daily newspaper on July 22, professor of international relations and diplomatic affairs Wei Zongyou from the Center for American Studies at Fudan University expressed his belief that the U.S. political landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Trump is reshaping the Republican Party into an entity focused on his “Make America Great Again” slogan, embracing neo-isolationism and trade protectionism—a stark departure from traditional Republican values. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party sees the ascendance of progressive figures like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, pushing for more radical social and cultural reforms.
But despite all the obstacles and uncertainties, China-U.S. cooperation must transcend the realm of electoral politics. As the world’s two largest economies, their collaborative efforts are not just beneficial, but essential for mutual growth and global stability.
The giants’ cooperation spans the economic, technological and cultural domains. Substantial trade volume, intertwined supply chains, and joint technological innovations drive global progress. Cultural exchange fosters mutual understanding between the two nations.
However, U.S. campaign rhetoric and proposed policies often tend to threaten this cooperation. Trump’s suggested 60-percent tariffs on Chinese imports could disrupt international trade, while the Biden administration’s “small yard, high fence” approach in technology, maintaining a narrower but more controlled range of core national security interests, might impede innovation collaboration. These policies potentially harm both nations’ interests—and global economic stability.
On July 22, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with a delegation from the Board of Directors of the U.S.-China Business Council in Beijing.
The meeting underlined Beijing’s focus on reform, further opening up and stronger bilateral relations, highlighting its approach to Sino-U.S. relations. Wang advocated for stability in this relationship, grounded in mutual respect and win-win cooperation. It’s clear that Beijing remains committed to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.
While the U.S. electoral process is an internal affair, one can only hope that the eventual victor will emphasize cooperation with China rather than using the country as a scapegoat for domestic woes purely for the sake of short-term political gain.
The Sino-U.S. partnership, if and when nurtured, can contribute to global stability and progress.
The path forward, though challenging, offers immense potential for both countries and, by extension, the world at large. –The Daily Mail-Beijing Review news exchange item
