No Strong Reactions From China’s Leaders

James T. Areddy in Shanghai and Rebecca Blumenstein in Beijing report on Chinese reaction to the election. China’s leaders congratulated Barack Obama on his victory soon after the election was decided, stressing areas of agreement between the two economic and geopolitical giants. “The Chinese government and I myself have always attached great importance to China-U.S. relations,” President Hu Jintao wrote in his message to the U.S. president elect. “In the new historic era, I look forward to working together with you to continuously strengthen dialogue and exchanges between our two countries and enhance our mutual trust and cooperation…” Chinese officials have voiced no preference on the outcome, but Mr. Obama seems to have won greater popularity than his rival among those average Chinese who have paid attention to the election — even though his stance on trade issues has been tougher toward Beijing. A survey late last month by Horizon Group, ... (link)