Exclusive | Trump’s comeback no surprise for China – and this time Beijing is prepared

Experts and insiders tell the Post how officials prepared and how Beijing is bracing for a President Trump who will be stronger than ever

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US president-elect Donald Trump on stage with Tesla CEO Elon Musk during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania last month. Musk’s business ties to China have been a focus for Beijing recently. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:00pm, 7 Nov 2024Updated: 12:06am, 8 Nov 2024

Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House was not the surprise it was when he won his first term, Chinese officials have said, and this time, policy strategy and contingencies have been planned well in advance.

When Trump won the 2016 US presidential election, Beijing, like the rest of world, was caught off guard because attention had focused on Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, the country’s former top diplomat and a familiar face for Beijing.

After initial difficulties making contact with the Trump camp, the Chinese side eventually connected with the president-elect through his son-in-law Jared Kushner, a channel that would produce various outcomes.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, Chinese officials told the Post that a mix of research and preparation was under way well before election day so that Beijing would be better prepared in the event of a second Trump term.

Jared Kushner (right) is pictured with his wife, Ivanka Trump, and then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2016. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

They also pointed to specific policy uncertainties that a second Trump term would bring.