China hopes for 'peaceful coexistence' with America

China said it hopes for "peaceful coexistence" with the United States under Donald Trump.

"We will continue to approach and handle China-US relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

"Our policy toward the US has been consistent," she added.

Mao did not comment directly on the possibility of Trump's return to the White House as he neared a victory over Kamala Harris, but said "the US presidential election is an internal affair."

"We respect the choice of the American people," she said.

"After the US election results are released and officially announced, we will handle related matters in accordance with usual practice," she added when asked if President Xi Jinping would call Trump.

The election was closely watched in China, with several topics trending on Weibo.

"Trump, congratulations! Focus on building your beautiful country and stop thinking about interfering with other countries," one comment read.

Both candidates in the race had pledged to get tougher on Beijing, with Trump promising tariffs of 60 percent on all Chinese imports.

On Xiaohongshu, China's equivalent of Instagram, a user declared: "The trade war has started."

"My family does foreign trade and their world has just collapsed," read another comment on Douyin with nearly 800 likes.

"With at least 20 percent additional tariffs, those in foreign trade should consider changing jobs as soon as possible!" another on Weibo said.

During his time as president, Trump launched a grueling trade war with China, imposing tariffs on Chinese goods for what he said were unfair practices by Beijing, such as theft of US technology and currency manipulation.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE