Following the failed assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, the incident has sparked significant online interest and discussion in China, despite the country's heavily censored internet. The attack, where a gunman opened fire at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania, dominated Chinese social media platforms in the aftermath.
Hashtags related to the incident garnered hundreds of millions of views on Chinese social media, with users expressing a range of reactions. Some praised Trump's quick reflexes and deemed him lucky for escaping serious injury, while others made comments about the potential impact on his re-election bid.
During the rally, as shots were fired, Trump swiftly reacted by ducking to the ground and was shielded by Secret Service agents. A widely shared image captured the moment when Trump raised his fist in defiance with blood visible on his face before being escorted off the stage.
Commentators on social media made various observations, with some drawing comparisons to past political events, including the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. There were also mentions of gun violence in the US, with some highlighting the frequency of such incidents as a reflection of the country's shortcomings.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sympathy to Trump, and state-linked media outlets shaped public discourse around the incident. Op-eds and editorials portrayed the violence as a symptom of American democracy, aligning with Beijing's narrative of highlighting perceived flaws in the US political system.
President Joe Biden addressed the incident, criticizing foreign actors for exacerbating division in the US. He urged Americans to reflect on the country's values and unity. The focus on the assassination attempt in China adds to the ongoing discussion of Trump on Chinese social media, where he has been a subject of fascination and debate.
Trump's re-election bid is closely monitored in Beijing, particularly due to his trade policies that could impact US-China relations. The potential for economic decoupling between the two countries is a concern for China amid its internal fiscal challenges.
