US midterms: likely tough China stance after Dem. Congress takeover

Some analysts believe with the Democratic takeover of both chambers of Congress, a tougher approach towards China -- which harkens back to the Biden-era policy of containing China -- may emerge again.

In Beijing, the Foreign Ministry describes the US midterm elections as an internal American affair, saying it remains willing to step up communication with the US to properly manage differences.

As the US midterm election results trickle in, Democrats are widely expected to wrest control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In Beijing, the Foreign Ministry was asked about the potential impact of the US midterms on Sino-US relations.

MOFA's spokesperson Mao Ning says the midterm elections are internal affairs of the US and China is willing to work with the US to uphold and implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, -- and properly manage differences, expand cooperation and build a constructive strategic and stable relationship based on respect, fairness and equality.

Hung Wing-lok, lecturer in the School of Government and Policy Science at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said US President Donald Trump's China policy has underscored the concept of "G2" -- suggesting the US and China should stand on an equal footing in international politics and the global economy.

In case of a Democratic takeover of both chambers of Congress, it could influence Washington's China policy as the Democrats rarely talked about this G2 framework of cooperation. More disputes could likely arise over human rights and democratic values-related issues.

Hung added the election results could also sway the direction of the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Hung said some Democrats have publicly opposed American support for Israel and involvement in the Middle East wars. And Democrats' increased clout could entail increased financial support for Ukraine with impacts on their current peace negotiation process.

For US tariff policies slapped on multiple countries, Hung believes such levies are likely here to stay -- and implemented through executive orders.