World watches nervously as US counts votes, Germany warns of ‘very explosive situation’
- World leaders refrain from commenting on outcome of race until it was clear
- Concerns US sharp divisions might endure long after the winner is declared
Prime ministers and presidents around the world face a delicate question – when to congratulate the eventual winner of the US election, especially given the high likelihood it will be contested.
Donald Trump is threatening to take the fight for the US presidential election to the courts, claiming without proof that there is “major fraud” ongoing, while Democratic nominee Joe Biden is urging patience, calling for the vote tallying to be completed.
The race is a nail-biter, far closer than polls had indicated. No major media outlet has called the race for Trump or Biden. Ballots are still being counted in major swing states. Until more votes are sorted, it is impossible to determine a winner.
The Chinese foreign ministry said the US presidential election was an internal affair of the United States, and China does not have a position on it.
Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin made the statement when asked which candidate China favoured.