US midterms could bring ‘renewed volatility’ to China ties, veteran diplomat warns

If the Democrats win control of Congress in America’s midterm elections it could bring “renewed volatility” to relations with China, a veteran Chinese diplomat has warned.

“The results [of the 2026 midterms] … are likely to have a profound impact on the stability of China-US relations,” said Bian Qingzu, former secretary general of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Founded in 1954, the association has long been a conduit to foster non-governmental exchanges with other countries that have paved the way for official contacts.

Bian – in a commentary posted on the China-US Focus website on Friday – said there was mounting “anti-Trump sentiment among American voters” and it was widely tipped that the Democratic Party could retake the House of Representatives, and possibly even the Senate.

He said after the elections, a “more assertive” US Congress was likely to push forward additional investigations and “confrontational” legislation targeting China.

“Democratic control of Congress could also put pressure on the White House to adopt a tougher stance on issues such as Taiwan and Xinjiang, potentially driving US-China relations from a phase of seeking stability back into one of renewed volatility,” Bian said.