Recently, the news of American President Biden announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race has become a hot topic on Chinese social media platform Weibo, quickly reaching nearly 500 million views. Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s statement of “no comment,” they have made two friendly gestures. Analysts believe that the CCP’s previous “sanctions” against the U.S. were harsh, but their current actions indicate a retreat, although the Democratic Party is not expected to change its course. Biden’s decision to withdraw highlights the self-regulating advantage of the American democratic system.
President Biden shocked the nation on Sunday afternoon, July 21, by announcing on X platform that he will not seek reelection in the 2024 presidential race.
The news quickly topped the trending list and continued to hold the number one position. Many netizens marveled at being part of “witnessing history.”
On Monday morning, the hashtag #BidenWithdrawal dominated the top four trending topics on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. By Monday evening, the reading volume for the topic of “Biden’s withdrawal” had reached 480 million, while the topic of “Harris praises Biden” had also garnered 57 million clicks.
A Weibo user named “Hotamin” wrote, “Those who stayed up late have witnessed history. It’s incredible how anything can happen. ‘Joe’s retirement is a lifetime decision,’ ‘Biden has dignity,’ ‘Why did the bullet hit Trump but bring down Biden?'”
Some Chinese netizens described the U.S. election as “crazy”; others questioned, “What is an election?” Some made jokes about American politicians, pressuring Biden by saying, “How could they release a statement without coordinating internally?”
Wang Songlian, Acting Director of Human Rights Watch China Division in New York, drew a comparison between Biden and authoritarian leaders of other major countries, stating that “the most powerful person in the world is stepping down because he listened to the people,” while leaders like Xi Jinping and Putin hold onto power tightly without facing a vote.
The CCP has remained silent on Biden’s withdrawal. During a regular press conference on Monday hosted by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, a foreign journalist inquired about Biden’s announcement. Mao Ning replied, “The U.S. election is an internal matter for the U.S., and we will not comment on it.”
However, observers noted two conciliatory moves from the CCP towards the U.S. A journalist asked about American company Viasat, previously sanctioned by China, seeking business cooperation with Chinese enterprises. Mao Ning stated, “In light of the changing circumstances on which the retaliatory measures were based, the decision was made to cancel the sanctions against Viasat,” without elaborating on the reasons.
Viasat had been sanctioned by China on January 7 for its involvement in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. This marks the first public cancellation of sanctions on a company involved in arms sales to Taiwan by the CCP. Viasat did not provide any explanation for this decision.
Additionally, the Chinese Ministry of Finance announced on Monday the extension of the deadline to exempt certain U.S. products from import tariffs until February 28, 2025, as reported by Reuters.
Regarding the CCP’s conciliatory moves, Zhang Zidong from the Institute of National Defense Strategies and Resources at the Taiwan Defense Research Institute analyzed that the retaliation was ineffective and posed risks for the U.S., prompting the CCP to retract the sanctions.
Wang Juntao, Chairman of the Chinese Democratic Party, pointed out that Xi Jinping’s tone had subtly shifted since his visit to the U.S. in November, focusing on courtship with private sector giants like Silicon Valley and Wall Street. The CCP realizes that targeting defense companies would hinder its own technological advancement.
Furthermore, Wang noted that U.S. defense companies hold key high-tech knowledge, essential for China’s technological development. Alienating these companies through sanctions would hamper China’s progress, especially as the U.S. restricts technology transfers to China.
Amid Biden’s withdrawal, Vice President Kamala Harris is seen as the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, garnering support from many within the party for her milestone role as the first female, first woman of color, and first South Asian presidential candidate.
In terms of policy towards China, Zhang Zidong pointed out that both Democrats and Republicans take a firm stance against the CCP’s unilateral changes to the status quo in Taiwan.
The core objective for the U.S. is to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Biden has made Taiwan a central issue in U.S.-China relations, stating the U.S. would defend Taiwan if attacked. This sentiment aligns with Trump’s previous assertion that he would respond to a Chinese attack on Taiwan by bombing Beijing.
Zhang Zidong emphasized that Biden’s policies aim to encircle China through alliances and bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities. He believes that regardless of the election outcome, the call for increased Taiwanese defense spending will persist.
Wang Juntao remarked that Americans prioritize leadership that can address present challenges effectively, rather than solely focusing on party alignment. He contrasted the flexibility of the U.S. democratic system with the rigid control in China, where dissent is swiftly quelled.
Biden’s withdrawal showcases the strengths of the American democratic system, allowing for peaceful competition and providing room for the next phase of governance.