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The Biden administration is slowly recognizing the limitations of its engagement-first strategy with China, an approach that has favored diplomatic overtures over decisive actions to curb Beijing’s belligerence. Notably, in a rare public rebuke, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns sharply criticized Beijing for harassing and interrogating Chinese citizens seeking to attend U.S. Embassy-organized events. Burns also condemned the stabbing of four American college instructors in Jilin Province, blaming the Chinese government’s incitement of anti-American sentiment. These incidents, coupled with China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, make clear Beijing is not merely disinterested in stabilizing U.S.-China relations but is actively working to undermine them.
Meanwhile, Chinese commentators seized on the recent U.S. presidential debate to launch fresh critiques of American democracy. High-profile Chinese commentator Hu Xijin derided the “low-quality performance of these two old men,” which he called “a negative advertisement for Western democracy.” Other state-owned outlets echoed this sentiment, with one labeling Biden as “habitually confused” and another branding Trump as “mentally ill.” Such remarks are consistent with China’s broader messaging strategy aimed at eroding global confidence in democratic governance. They also echo Beijing’s efforts to discourage voter participation and sow societal division during the 2022 U.S. midterms. The Biden administration failed to punish China for those transgressions. The result: Beijing appears all but certain to intensify its disinformation efforts in the run-up to November’s election, with the goal of further diminishing America’s global standing.
By Craig Singleton
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