China’s Careful Reaction to U.S. Election Masks Deepening Rift

China’s restrained response to President-elect Donald Trump’s victory sharply contrasts with its months-long campaign to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral process and sow societal discord. This initial caution suggests Beijing is carefully weighing the risks of antagonizing the incoming administration against its urgent need to stabilize ties with the United States amid China’s mounting economic challenges.

Chinese State Media Reaction to Trump’s Victory

China wasted little time weighing in on the U.S. election results, yet its initial response notably avoided congratulating Trump directly or even mentioning him by name in official statements. Instead, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China “will continue to view and handle Sino-U.S. relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.” China Daily, a state-owned English-language newspaper, echoed this sentiment, calling for “peaceful co-existence” and “fair competition” with the United States. At the same time, China Daily editorials criticized so-called “China hawks” for undermining bilateral relations and accused both parties of exploiting anti-China rhetoric for political gain, placing the responsibility on the new administration to repair ties.

China’s Use of Disinformation During the Election

China’s relatively considered response to the election contrasts with its aggressive disinformation campaign in the months leading up to election day. Throughout this period, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and other U.S. government agencies issued multiple bulletins warning that China sought to “sow doubts about U.S. leadership, undermine democracy, and extend Beijing’s influence.” These efforts included targeting down-ballot candidates critical of China and using fake social media accounts ostensibly belonging to American voters to inflame divisions around hot-button issues ranging from reproductive rights and immigration to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Chinese state-run media, including Global Times and China Central TV, heightened fears of unrest in the United States, emphasizing potential election-related violence. Their coverage featured images of boarded-up buildings and heavy security around the U.S. Capitol, reinforcing common Chinese Communist Party critiques of American democracy as chaotic, divisive, and elite-driven.

China’s Calculated Restraint Amid U.S. Political Transition

China’s response to Trump’s election signals a tactical pause as both nations brace for the next phase of strategic competition. With its domestic economy under significant strain, Beijing likely has little interest in provoking a sharper response from the new administration that could trigger a more aggressive trade or tech war. Although Beijing may propose a diplomatic reset or offer conciliatory gestures to ease immediate tensions, the fundamental incompatibility of the two nations’ political and economic systems makes further deterioration in relations almost inevitable.

During the intermediate transition period, the Biden administration should continue to prioritize a smooth transfer of power as a message of the enduring strength of American democracy. Moreover, as both Washington and Beijing vie for global influence, the United States will need to anticipate China’s next moves, particularly in its long-running efforts to intimidate Taiwan, preparing not only to counter them but to shape a world order resilient against China’s long-term strategic aims.

Craig Singleton is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and senior director of FDD’s China Program, where Jack Burnham is a research analyst. For more analysis from Craig, Jack, and the China Program, please subscribe HERE. Follow Craig on X @CraigMSingleton. Follow FDD on X @FDD. FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focused on national security and foreign policy.