In a recent turn of events, Chinese state media published and then quickly deleted an editorial criticizing President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The Global Times article initially portrayed Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as acts of desperation. The editorial cited Chinese experts who pointed to Biden’s health issues, poor debate performance, and the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump as factors behind his decision.
Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, was quoted saying that the Democrats’ decision to endorse Harris was rational but overdue. The article suggested that internal pressures and fears of losing the election led to Biden’s withdrawal and Harris’s endorsement.
However, the article’s swift removal from the Global Times website has sparked speculation about Beijing’s intentions. Analysts suggest that the Chinese government aims to maintain a neutral stance in the U.S. elections to avoid accusations of interference. The deletion indicates a cautious approach, emphasizing neutrality in international political affairs.
Chinese social media platforms were active with discussions about Biden’s exit. On Weibo, China’s equivalent of Twitter, a trending topic on Biden’s withdrawal attracted over 400 million views. Users expressed mixed reactions, with many predicting that Trump’s chances of winning have increased. Some commenters doubted Harris’s ability to unify the Democratic Party and compete effectively against Trump.
The rapid deletion of the Global Times article highlights the Chinese government’s delicate balancing act in addressing international political developments. While initial media reactions reflected criticism of the Democrats’ strategy, the subsequent removal suggests a strategic decision to avoid influencing or appearing biased in the U.S. political landscape. As the 2024 U.S. presidential election unfolds, the reactions of Chinese media and the public will continue to be closely monitored, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics and the intricate balance Beijing seeks to maintain in its international relations.
