The 2020 presidential election had a profound effect globally. During the four day tension of the White House race, not only American citizens, but international audiences were also anxious during the election process. As the 2020 presidential election concluded with Joe Biden’s victory, world leaders are congratulating the new American president-elect. Leaders will be concentrating on how Joe Biden and vice-president Kamala Harris plan to reshape U.S. foreign policy and international relationships. 

Russia

Unlike other European counterparts, Putin had no official statement of congratulations on Nov.9. On Tuesday Nov. 8, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would wait for official election results before commenting on the new U.S. president.  Pro-Kremlin media anchors and experts described Biden’s victory as “the worst scenario for Russia”. In late October, Biden called out Russia as “the main threat”, and Kremlin spokesperson Peskov responded by remarking that his words signify hatred towards the Russian government.  US intelligence believes that Russia tried to change voting results in favor of Donald Trump, similar to the cyber attack against Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016. Though perceiving Biden’s success overtly negative, Putin still seeks to make strategic treaties and cooperative developments. 

China

U.S. and China’s relations have been rigid under the Trump administration. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping was not quick to welcome Biden as president. Days after other countries issued statements about the election result, Xi congratulated Biden and Harris on Nov.13, however,Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that China is acting in accordance with international practice. 

Xi is hesitant about the victory of Biden. After tensions escalated during Trump’s presidency, people are curious whether Biden will cool harsh relationships with China. In the Chinese internet site Weibo, the top trending topic on Nov.8 was Biden’s address speech, reaching 800 million views. 

U.K & Europe

The U.K and European Union had separate reactions towards the election results. As the U.K had close relationships with Donald Trump, the British government refused to speak about Joe Biden’s victory. Boris Johnson, prime minister of the United Kingdom, has never spoken with Joe Biden nor met him. Moreover, the relationships between both leaders have been harsh since the very start. Joe Biden commented that the prime minister was a “physical emotional clone of Donald Trump” and was severely opposed to Brexit. Boris Johnson, on the other hand, commented that Barack Obama and Joe Biden harboured anti-British sentiment due to Obama’s Kenyan history. 

The E.U, contrasting the U.K, congratulated Joe Biden with his victory. “America is back! The election of Joe Biden would be great news for our planet. I look forward to seeing the USA back to the Paris Agreement!” tweeted Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris. 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also left a positive comment on Joe Biden’s future presidency and friendship. “Our transatlantic friendship is indispensable if we are to deal with the major challenges of our time,” Merkel said. Merkel, as well as other European leaders expressed passion to work with Biden. 

“We are ready to work with President-elect Joe Biden to make the transatlantic relationship stronger. The US can count on Italy as a solid ally and a strategic partner,” said Giuseppe Conte, prime minister of Italy. 

Canada

Canada is showing positive views towards the change of the American presidency. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented that the country is well-positioned and ready to continue to work with the American people and the government, regardless of the outcomes. Trudeau emphasized the significance of the COVID-19 pandemic, commenting, “We will further build on this foundation as we continue to keep our people safe and healthy.”

Japan & South Korea

Both Asian countries promised to help Biden develop positive relationships between the nations. Japan’s prime minister Yoshihide Suga pledged to work with Biden to ensure “peace, freedom, and prosperity. Japan and the U.S. are allies that share universal values such as liberty and democracy. We’d like to work together with the U.S. to further strengthen alliance in the Indo-Pacific region,” Suga added. 

South Korea also congratulated Joe Biden’s victory. South Korean President Moon Jae-in posted a tweet saying that he will work to “make sure there won’t be any disheartening events in the strengthening of Korea-U.S. alliance as well as in the Korea peace process.” By cultivating amicable ties with Joe Biden, South Korea is planning to maintain and bolster international links, fostering growth and prosperity.