The assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump has sparked significant global discourse, particularly from Chinese state-linked media. The incident is being used to critique the US democratic system, portraying it as increasingly unstable and violent. This narrative is consistent with China's broader strategy of promoting its socialist system as a preferable alternative to American democracy.
On Monday, the Chinese Communist Party-affiliated Global Times published an article citing Chinese analysts who claimed that the assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania campaign rally reflects a troubling escalation of political violence in the US. The article argued that "the long-standing toxic and violent rhetoric in US politics has escalated into violent actions against politicians in recent years."
Lu Xiang, an instructor with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times: "Although this [attack] was at the presidential candidate level, the pressure is mounting on those who engage in US political elections, as their security is weak until they got nominated."
The Chinese media's reaction to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump has been to view it as a sign of escalating political violence in the US. The Global Times, in particular, argued that the incident highlights the "high degree of instability and unpredictability of US politics," which could trigger doubts among US allies regarding Washington's leadership.
This narrative is part of a broader propaganda strategy to highlight the flaws in American democracy and suggest that such violence will become more frequent as the US becomes further polarized.
Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, noted that the incident is likely to "trigger more suspicions over US leadership among its allies."
“How can one expect such an uncertain country to show stability in dealing with relations with allies? … The shooting will certainly trigger more suspicions over US leadership among its allies,” Li told the Global Times.
As per a Wall Street Journal report, certain individuals with ties to the Chinese government have joined in the criticism, fueled by the long-standing notion in Beijing that the United States is experiencing a decline as the world's sole superpower. Han Peng, a journalist from the state-owned media outlet CGTN who previously worked in the US, expressed his views on the widely-used Chinese social-media platform Weibo, stating, "It's garbage time for American-style democracy."
This sentiment reflects the Chinese media's use of incidents like this to promote their political system as a more stable and preferable alternative to American democracy. Chinese propaganda has frequently pushed other narratives regarding US politics, often accusing the US of global hegemony and interference in other countries' affairs.
The recent assassination attempt has influenced perceptions in other countries as well. Coupled with concerns about President Biden's mental fitness, many foreign capitals are preparing for a possible second Trump presidency. Some view the incident as a reflection of America's deep political divisions and instability, prompting allies to question the reliability of US leadership. Russian and Chinese commentators have used the event to reinforce their narratives of American decline.
(With inputs from agencies)
