Some analysts speculate that Mr Trump may be welcomed by Beijing for his more relaxed line on human rights APChinese leaders have preferred Republicans ever since Chairman Mao met Richard Nixon. But the maverick president-elect they now face presents fresh challenges, as well as opportunities. Donald Trump’s focus on US economic interests and threats of trade wars could “turn Sino-US relations from a geopolitical rivalry to an economic conflict”, The Global Times, a Communist Party-controlled tabloid, warned todayOn the campaign trail, the tycoon vowed to impose a 45 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, and could move quickly to label China a currency manipulator, but Beijing hasn’t risen to either threat, well aware that candidates invariably change their China tune when in office. On other issues, Chinese experts predict Mr Trump may be welcomed by Beijing for taking a softer line on sensitive…

Source: The Times November 09, 2016 17:03 UTC