China congratulates Biden on swearing in, while imposing sanctions on Pompeo, others

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday (Jan. 20) at his Inauguration ceremony. Many world leaders, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Iran, congratulated Biden.

During Trump‘s presidency, U.S.-China relations have changed dramatically, with both sides entering into confrontation in almost every area. Just hours before Biden’s inauguration, Beijing expressed hope that the new Biden Administration would “look at China rationally and objectively,” and repair the bilateral relationship that was severely damaged during the Trump Administration.

Meanwhile, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman announced that China had imposed sanctions on Pompeo and others. China decided to impose sanctions on 28 people who are primarily responsible for serious violations of China’s sovereignty on China-related issues, including Pompeo, Navarro, O’Brien, Stalwell, Pottinger, Azar, Kratch, Craft, as well as Bolton and Bannon in the Trump administration, said a posting on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website. These individuals and their families are banned from entering mainland China and Hong Kong and Macau, and they and their affiliated companies and institutions have been restricted from dealing and doing business with China.