Chinese Media’s Mixed Responses To Biden’s Exit And Harris Endorsement

In a recent development, Chinese state media published and then swiftly deleted an editorial critical of President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The Global Times article initially described Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as desperate actions. Chinese experts cited in the article attributed the move to Biden’s declining health, poor debate performance, and the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, commented that the Democrats’ decision to back Harris was necessary but delayed. The editorial suggested that internal party pressures and concerns about electoral defeat influenced Biden’s withdrawal and Harris’s endorsement.

However, the article’s quick removal from the Global Times website has raised questions about Beijing’s motives. Analysts believe that the Chinese government aims to avoid any appearance of interfering in the U.S. elections. The deletion reflects a cautious approach, emphasizing neutrality in international political affairs.

Chinese social media was abuzz with reactions to Biden’s withdrawal. Weibo, China’s heavily moderated social media platform, saw a trending topic on Biden’s exit gather over 400 million views. Users expressed various opinions, with many predicting that Trump’s chances of winning the election have now increased. Some commenters doubted Harris’s ability to unify the Democratic Party and effectively compete against Trump.

The swift deletion of the Global Times article underscores the Chinese government’s careful navigation of international political developments. While initial reactions from state media reflected skepticism about the Democrats’ strategy, the subsequent removal indicates a strategic decision to avoid influencing or appearing biased in the U.S. political landscape.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election progresses, China’s media and public responses will be under close scrutiny, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics.