The much-anticipated debate between America's leading presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, unfolded Tuesday evening in Pennsylvania. This marked their first meeting since Harris secured the Democratic Party nomination after President Joe Biden exited the race.
The candidates presented starkly different visions for the country. Harris, representing the Democrats, advocated for a progressive agenda, emphasizing a more active government role in supporting Americans' lives. In contrast, Trump, the Republican nominee, pushed for fewer regulations on businesses and society, promoting economic freedom.
Despite their divergent policies, both Harris and Trump found common ground in their stance on China, describing it as a significant adversary threatening the Western world order. Trump criticized China's economic practices, asserting that they have been \"ripping us off for years,\" and defended his implementation of tariffs, claiming they cripple China's intentions.
Harris echoed concerns about China's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the country of withholding critical information about the virus's origin and spread in late 2019. This stance mirrors a broader narrative among politicians questioning China's transparency.
The frequent criticism of China by both candidates aligns with a consistent political and media narrative in the U.S., especially during the election season. The Washington Post recently reported over 170 campaign ads from candidates, including Harris and Trump, that associate China with malicious intentions, setting the stage for continued rhetoric in the remaining 55 days before the election.
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Harris and Trump debate agrees on little except bashing China
cgtn.com
