China blasts ‘unfounded smears’ as Trump’s election claims threaten diplomatic thaw

President Donald Trump launched a strong accusation against China late Thursday, alleging Beijing's interference in U.S. elections and accusing it of orchestrating a significant compromise of election data. This move has strained a delicate thaw in U.S.-China relations and cast doubt on future high-level engagements.

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what is believed to be the largest compromise of election data in history

In a prime-time address from the White House, Trump claimed that China was responsible for what he described as "the largest compromise of election data in history." He asserted that Beijing had stolen 220 million U.S. voter files, encompassing names, addresses, phone numbers, political party preferences, and other sensitive information. Furthermore, he accused intelligence agencies of minimizing the extent of China’s alleged "sinister" meddling.

Responding on Friday, China's foreign ministry vehemently dismissed Trump's allegations. Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that the accusations lacked "any factual ground." He reiterated Beijing's adherence to the principle of non-intervention in other states' internal affairs and denied any interest in interfering in U.S. elections. Lin urged Washington to self-reflect, cease its "unfounded smears" against China, and focus on actions that benefit bilateral relations.

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no factual ground

While Trump has previously made similar claims of Chinese interference in U.S. elections in 2018 and 2020, his latest assertions are described as his most sweeping and pointed to date. The national address, which lasted nearly 30 minutes, reportedly focused heavily on this issue, with little mention of other global matters such as the Iran war.

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stop its “unfounded smears” against China and “do more to benefit China-U.S relations”.