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China became one of the last major nations to acknowledge Joe Biden's victory in the U.S. presidential race Friday, offering congratulations to the president-elect and his running mate Kamala Harris.

"We respect the choice of the American people," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at his regular daily briefing. "We congratulate Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris."

"At the same time," he added, "the result will be confirmed according to U.S. laws and procedures.:

NPR's Emily Feng in Beijing reports the spokesperson's qualification is an apparent nod to the fact President Donald Trump has still not conceded. She notes that still missing is Chinese President Xi Jinping's personal congratulations to Biden.

"Analysts," reports Feng, "say China is hesitant to endorse a Biden victory because Trump remains in office for the next two months and could further sanction China if angered."

Both China and Russia remained silent as many other nations offered congratulations to Biden after his victory was called last Saturday by U.S. news organizations. Russia still has not acknowledged the results of the U.S. presidential race. 

Politics and Government News

Election 2020

Mark Katkov

Author

A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry offered congratulations at his regular daily briefing. China had been one of the last major nations to hold out recognizing Joe Biden will be the next president.

After days of silence, China congratulates Biden and Harris

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