‘Fake democracy’ or a plus for Beijing? Chinese internet users on the US midterms

Chinese social media users have expressed a mix of opinions on the US midterm elections, criticizing American politics while considering the potential implications for China. On Tuesday, Democrats secured control of both chambers of the US Congress by winning the House of Representatives and the Senate from the Republicans. The midterm elections, involving all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats, could restrict President Donald Trump's ability to advance his legislative agenda during the final two years of his second term, as Democrats will now control an opposition Congress.

Some Chinese netizens questioned whether the midterm elections could bring about change, some even describing the American system as "fake democracy," while others saw it as a "plus" for Beijing. They argued that the American political system's flaws, rather than a particular person or party, are the root cause of problems. Capitalists have allegedly made America a mess, leaving ordinary people struggling.

Some criticized Trump's military actions against Iran and mocked his unpredictability on foreign policy. However, some Chinese users expressed hope that Trump's continued political influence might benefit China, referring to him as "nation-builder Trump." Still, others viewed the election as a shift toward a more alliance-based approach to countering China, contrasting Trump's emphasis on trade negotiations and direct engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Despite ongoing competition over trade, technology, and security, Beijing and Washington aim to maintain stable bilateral ties, with Trump visiting China in May and Xi travelling to the US in September.