Why China’s Not Afraid of Donald J. Trump and May Prefer Him to a Democrat
... a survey of both official state media and social media networks reveals that a growing contingent of Chinese believe the mogul’s potential presidency could actually end up benefiting China—perhaps more so than a President Hillary Clinton, whose criticism of the country’s human rights record infuriates Chinese leaders. Some Chinese admire Trump’s glitzy businesses, big-name brand and candid personality. Others genuinely think the candidate’s “America First” foreign policy positions would give China the upper hand in Sino-American relations and allow more room for China to assert itself on the world stage.
Beyond just Trump’s brand, many Chinese believe his business acumen would translate into political pragmatism on matters of national security and foreign policy—which would play to China’s advantage. Trump has repeatedly questioned the wisdom of maintaining American military bases and warships in the region, arguing that they cost the United States money while allowing allies like Japan to mooch off American support in their squabbles with China in the East and South China seas.
On economic issues, Trump has been much more aggressively anti-China; his tax and anti-currency manipulation proposals have even raised the prospect of a trade war. But many Chinese observers see these “tough” positions as bluster—part of Trump’s appeal to Republican voters at home—and believe he would soften his stance once in office. For one thing, his opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership—a multinational trade deal meant to counterbalance China’s economic dominance in the region—has led some in Chinese state media to believe Trump would be more open to commercial relations with China than he lets on.
Part of the reason for Trump’s appeal in China has to do with China’s intense skepticism toward the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency. ... Clinton has also criticized China for human rights violations and online censorship since her days as first lady and later at Foggy Bottom, leading some Chinese netizens and state media outlets to believe she would be more ideological and less flexible than Trump in diplomatic dealings with China. “Unlike traditional idealistic politicians, who tend to place ideological values, such as democracy and human rights, as the priority in their diplomacy, Trump has more realistic interests in mind,” a recent op-ed in the Global Times says.
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/05/2016-donald-trump-china-foreign-policy-asia-beijing-213876
As much as Donald blusters on about China - "part of his appeal to republican voters at home? - it sounds like many in China would prefer the 'let's make a deal' Trump to any Democrat.
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