Harris or Trump? What Chinese people want from US election

In China, the upcoming US election is a topic of great interest and concern among the people. Many are watching closely, anxious about the potential outcomes and their implications for both China and the world. Mr. Meng, a man in his seventies, expresses his hope that Donald Trump will win the election. He believes that while Trump may impose economic sanctions on China, he is less likely to engage in military conflict. In contrast, Mr. Meng feels that Joe Biden is more inclined to start wars, which worries him and others in the park. Mr. Xiang, a senior citizen who enjoys dancing with friends, shares similar sentiments. 'None of us wants to see a war,' he states, highlighting the fears that many Chinese citizens have regarding the rising tensions between the US and China. The atmosphere in Ritan Park is lively, with music playing and dancers practicing their routines, but the looming election weighs heavily on the minds of those gathered. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of the election, particularly concerning Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own. Mr. Xiang expresses his concerns about the potential for conflict over Taiwan, stating, 'I don’t want my son to go to the military. ' This sentiment reflects a deep-seated anxiety about the future and the possibility of war. The people in the park are cautious about sharing their opinions, knowing that discussing their own government can be risky. They worry not only about the US-China relationship but also about ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The fear of war is palpable, and many express a desire for peace. As the conversation continues, some younger individuals join in, sharing their thoughts on the candidates. They mention that Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine quickly if he is elected. However, they are less familiar with Kamala Harris and express concerns that she may follow Biden's approach, which they view as supportive of military action. The opinions shared in the park reflect a narrative that is often echoed in Chinese state media, which emphasizes the need for peace and stability. The discussion also touches on the economic implications of the election. Many in China are apprehensive about the potential for increased tariffs on Chinese goods, which could further strain the economy. Mr. Xiang articulates this concern, stating, 'I don’t think it will do any good to the US to impose tariffs on China. ' He believes that such measures will ultimately hurt ordinary people in both countries. The younger generation, while proud of their country, is also influenced by American culture and trends. Lily and Anna, two young women in their twenties, express their love for China while also enjoying American pop culture, including the Avengers and Taylor Swift. They represent a generation that is navigating the complexities of national pride and global influence. Lucy, a 17-year-old girl, shares her aspirations of studying in America and is excited about the prospect of having a female candidate like Harris. She views this as a significant step for gender equality and hopes it will inspire more women in China. Lucy believes that fostering people-to-people exchanges is crucial for improving relations between the two countries. However, she acknowledges the challenges, as the number of American students studying in China has significantly decreased in recent years. Mr. Xiang hopes to see more American students come to China, but he is aware of the obstacles that exist. The US ambassador to China has pointed out that some Chinese officials do not take the idea of exchanges seriously, which complicates efforts to build bridges between the two nations. Despite these challenges, Lucy remains optimistic about her future and the potential for cultural exchange. As the music in the park continues, she encourages Americans to visit China, emphasizing the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people. 'We may be a little bit reserved sometimes, but we are welcoming,' she says, reflecting a desire for understanding and connection. With the US election approaching on November 5, people around the world are eager to see how the outcome will shape international relations and impact their lives.