The much-anticipated debate between America's leading presidential candidates took place on Tuesday evening in Pennsylvania. It was the first face-off between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump since Harris secured the Democratic nomination after Joe Biden exited the race.
The candidates showcased starkly different visions for the future of the United States. Harris champions a progressive agenda, advocating for a more active government role in improving the lives of Americans. In contrast, Trump pushes for minimal regulations, emphasizing the importance of a business-friendly environment.
However, despite their differences, Harris and Trump found common ground on one critical issue: the Chinese mainland. Both candidates agreed that China poses a significant threat to the Western-created world order.
Trump didn’t hold back, criticizing China’s economic practices. \"China is one of the countries that has been ripping us off for years,\" he declared. He defended his implementation of tariffs, stating they were essential to protect American interests and insisted they would remain a cornerstone of his anti-China strategy.
Harris also targeted China, this time focusing on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. She criticized China for allegedly withholding crucial information about the virus's origins and its rapid spread in late 2019, reinforcing the narrative that China lacks transparency.
The unified criticism of China from both candidates wasn’t surprising, as anti-China rhetoric is a staple in U.S. politics, especially during election seasons. According to the Washington Post, over 170 campaign ads have already been released from Harris, Trump, and other contenders, drawing connections between political opponents and nefarious intentions tied to China.
With the election just 55 days away, voters can expect a continued surge in campaign ads and debates, all underscored by the ongoing tension surrounding China's role on the global stage.
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Harris and Trump debate agrees on little except bashing China
cgtn.com