China watches America’s topsy-turvy election

How will the Chinese Communist Party leadership react to the highly unpredictable US election? China's leaders are convinced that one of the few points America's Republicans and Democrats agree on is the desire to stunt China's natural growth and the legitimate expansion of its influence. The two parties, Beijing believes, disagree only on which economic political weapons to use and how and when to use them. This view from Beijing should come as no surprise to Washington. After all, President Biden followed Trump's time in power with new tariffs, new technology restrictions, and an expansion of anti-China alliances with partners like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and even India.  

But it appears China's preparation for change in Washington center on adapting to meet the challenges created by a second Donald Trump presidency. For now, Trump remains a slight favorite to win...