Here's how China views the Joe Biden administration

In the wake of U.S. President Joe Biden’s inauguration, China is talking up hope for better relations with Washington — but also warning there will be consequences to challenging the Chinese sovereignty.

In a tweet Friday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said: ”‘A new day for #US’, as said by American media. We wish the same for #China_US relations.”

“The two peoples have suffered & hope to see ties return to the right track at an early date,” she said.

In the 36 hours after the inauguration, the foreign ministry and state media mostly focused on new sanctions prohibiting 28 people — including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro — from doing business with China.

Most were from the Trump administration, but the ex-president himself was not listed among the 10 named individuals. The foreign ministry declined to identify the 18 others.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the order around 1 a.m. Beijing time Thursday, just as Biden was being sworn in at noon ET Wednesday.

The state-backed Global Times soon published at least three articles in both English and Chinese on the tabloid’s perceived reach of the sanctions.

“US officials and politicians cannot be allowed to make a profit from China while attacking China. ... Washington’s ‘revolving door’ is well known — senior officials will be hired by companies, NGOs, or think tanks after they leave the government,” one English-language Global Times op-ed said on Thursday.

Companies and institutions associated with the 28 people will not be allowed to do business with China, according to the official announcement.

China pledges ‘firm reactions’

At a regular press briefing on Thursday, Hua spoke of “boundless potential” in future relations between the two countries if both sides “manage differences properly,” according to an official English-language transcript.

But she quickly added: “That said, it is also our clear position that China will take firm reactions to all moves undermining our sovereignty, security and development interests.”

She said the Trump administration, represented by Pompeo, “caused severe difficulties in China-U.S. relations by meddling in China’s internal affairs and undermining China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.”

Just one day before leaving office, Pompeo declared that China committed genocide against the minority Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

The former secretary of State has frequently published strong statements criticizing China’s ruling Communist Party contentious issues such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang.

Beijing considers those topics part of its “internal affairs,” and the Xinjiang government issued a “stern statement” against Pompeo’s declaration.

U.S.-China tensions simmer

Tensions between the U.S. and China escalated under President Donald Trump, beginning with a trade war in 2018. The dispute has since spilled into technology, finance and a disagreement on the origins of Covid-19.

The Trump administration slapped sanctions and tariffs on China to address long-standing complaints about unfair Chinese business practices, such as requiring forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft.

Analysts expect Biden to strike a similarly tough stance on China, albeit with a potentially softer tone. Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken said in a confirmation hearing this week that he agreed with Pompeo’s assessment on Xinjiang.

As Beijing prepares to deal with Blinken and the new U.S. team, the Communist Party newspaper People’s Daily struck a resolute tone in an editorial Friday.

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[TedTeddison]

When your biggest rival is excited about your President, you have a problem.

[leahvogel]

Reporter: ..China's "alleged" abusive trade practices..
It's not "alleged" when every country that trades with them has the same issues

[abelzoni]

Much like the Obama era, dont listen to Bidens words, watch his actions.

[underworld]

They view him as someone they have already paid off and still has on there payrolls

[crocodile]

Should have been titled: "How much will China have to pay the Big Guy?"

[brucelee]

People here in America have more respect for SpongeBob SquarePants then we do Joe Biden

[blackhouse]

Where was the unity & healing during the 100+ days of DESTRUCTION.. ????

[kkarnet]

I think a more accurate headline would be: "Here's how the CCP views the Biden administration"

[..]

Probably like the people view the press - as a laughing stock.

[echojoe]

“In 1000 words or more, say absolutely nothing of value... Go”

[taliadrumont]

The comments don't reflect the likes-dislike ratio.

[Kandres]

Day 2 and China is already in the picture 🙄 go figure.

[masongroves]

“Unity is needed for a reset” get ready folks. It’s coming.

[veryunclear]

"I don't need your vote." - Joe Biden

[hellohereami]

Hunter must be worried about his Chinese income

[Steven-cqyq]

didn't the USA attack iraq, afghanistan, vietnam these dudes start beef with every country...

[debbierushing]

The big guys in control...come on man!

[xzcccc]

Let me tell you what average Chinese think about Biden, "he is a tender version of Trump and the big picture of American policy towards China will never be reversed, it is the right time to find another way"

[chad]

Impeachment already filed for this guy.

[bigrev]

"You got a friend in me! You got a friend in me!"