On October 4, 2024, the first and only debate between the vice presidential candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States, Tim Walz and JD Vance, concluded on Tuesday (October 1) Eastern Time. Overseas commentators noted that while the debate was marked by continuous conflicts, the atmosphere remained friendly. However, there was limited online attention from the Chinese public, who may have felt somewhat unfamiliar with the candidates. Nonetheless, respondents still held their own unique views on the U.S. election.
It seemed that due to the long holiday break, the debate between Walz and Vance did not receive much attention from the Chinese official media. Xinhua News Agency only released a short video on October 2, mentioning that this was the only vice presidential candidates’ debate in the U.S. presidential election, covering topics such as immigration and the economy.
An article on the Caixin website titled “U.S. Vice Presidential Candidates Hold TV Debate, Both Praised for Their Demeanor.” The report stated that during the debate, both Walz and Vance directed their sharpest criticisms towards the presidential candidates of the opposing party rather than each other as vice presidential candidates.
A video clip that circulated on Weibo was titled “The Last 5 Minutes of Walz and Vance’s Debate – Closing Remarks.”
On social media platform Weibo, a user “江波2084” mentioned about their observations on the debate’s discussions related to China, which were deemed sensitive and subject to censorship.
Financial blogger Chen Yijia on Xiaohongshu commented that compared to the previous debates between the “Big Bosses,” this encounter between the vice presidential candidates was characterized by a lack of drama and a return to a sense of political decorum.
The debate has been lauded as more substantive compared to the previous month’s presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, delving deeper into policy issues.
Another Weibo blogger, “白雲遠到,” remarked that the debate between Walz and Vance was relatively uneventful in comparison to the main stage where they served as supporting characters to the main presidential candidates.
Based on interviews conducted, the discussions about the two vice presidential candidates did not generate much excitement. However, several respondents shared their views on the U.S. election.
A lawyer from Guangdong, Mr. Wu, expressed that the close outcomes of the 2016 and 2020 elections reflect significant changes within American society, showcasing a balance between Trumpism and anti-Trump sentiments that are deeply rooted and polarizing.
He highlighted that the attitude towards China, under both Trumpism and anti-Trumpism, remains consistent in viewing the Communist regime as malevolent and advocating for disengagement rather than embracing it.
A scholar from Beijing, Mr. Zheng, emphasized the global implications of the U.S. election, stating that it impacts international politics profoundly, and not just Chinese, but people worldwide are likely to follow the developments.
Mr. Zheng pointed out that both U.S. political parties recognize the threat posed by the Chinese Communist regime, but they differ in their approaches—either gradual containment or more aggressive strategies, working alone or in alliances against the common adversary.
He concluded that regardless of the election outcome, the confrontation between the U.S. and China is unlikely to see significant changes in the near future unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
A freelancer from Henan, Mr. Chen, noted that the trajectory of U.S.-China relations was fundamentally altered during Trump’s presidency and is unlikely to revert to the close ties of the past four decades. He predicted a gradual distancing and a cautious approach towards China from future U.S. administrations, potentially leading to China being isolated in Asia once again.