China Laughs At The Upcoming Presidential Election

Following the recent debate, former President Donald Trump expressed his view that the global perception of the United States had diminished since President Joe Biden assumed office. Trump highlighted what he perceived as ridicule directed towards the country from international quarters, a sentiment echoed in Chinese media.

Chinese commentators seized upon the debate as fodder for criticism, with Hu Xijin, a prominent former state media member, characterizing the event as highly entertaining due to what he described as personal attacks and mutual mockery between the candidates. He remarked that the performance of both Biden and Trump was detrimental to the image of Western democracy, emphasizing the spectacle of the debate as a negative advertisement.

Trump’s assertion about the U.S. being laughed at under Democratic leadership echoed themes he has consistently voiced since his initial presidential campaign in 2016. This time, however, the commentary also turned towards Trump himself, with Cailianshe, a Chinese outlet, describing the debate as marked by a chaotic tempo dominated by the candidates. They quipped about the perception of both candidates’ mental states, likening their interaction to a schoolyard squabble.

State-owned Beijing News weighed in with criticism of Biden’s perceived confusion and Trump’s spread of misinformation. On Chinese social media platform Weibo, users likened the debate to a childish dispute, particularly referencing the back-and-forth over Biden’s golfing abilities.

Internationally, the debate received similarly scathing reviews. Mexican outlet El Universal noted Biden’s hoarse voice and erratic statements, which they felt handed an advantage to Trump, who they accused of continuous falsehoods. In the United Kingdom, The Times highlighted Democratic concerns over Biden’s performance, while Spain’s El Pais and France’s Le Monde speculated on Biden’s future in the upcoming elections.

The widespread criticism underscores the global scrutiny faced by the U.S. political landscape, reflecting on broader perceptions of American leadership and democratic processes. The debate’s contentious atmosphere and its aftermath have not only fueled domestic political discourse but also shaped international views on the credibility and stability of American governance.