In a surprising move, Chinese state media published and swiftly deleted an editorial criticizing President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The Global Times, known for its government-aligned stance, initially described Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as acts of “desperation.” The article, quoting Chinese experts, suggested that Biden’s health issues, poor debate performance, and the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump influenced his decision to step down.
Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, was quoted saying that while Biden’s withdrawal was a difficult decision, it was ultimately rational and pragmatic. The article noted that internal pressures and fears of electoral defeat likely played a role in the decision. However, the article was quickly removed, indicating a possible directive to maintain a more neutral stance on U.S. political developments.
Chinese social media, however, was abuzz with reactions to Biden’s announcement. On Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, discussions about Biden’s exit garnered over 400 million views. Many users expressed skepticism about Harris’s ability to lead the Democratic Party and compete against Trump. Comments ranged from predictions of Trump’s strengthened chances to doubts about Harris’s leadership skills.
The rapid deletion of the Global Times article highlights the Chinese government’s cautious approach to commenting on foreign political events. Despite the initial criticism, Beijing seems intent on avoiding any appearance of favoritism or interference in the U.S. elections. As the race for the White House continues, the reactions of Chinese media and the public will be closely monitored, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics and the intricate balance Beijing seeks to maintain in its international relations.
