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NPR’s Moscow and Beijing correspondents discussed how the United States’ midterm elections are being read abroad on Tuesday, after the results showed a mixed picture for President Trump’s party and set the stage for a new Congress in January. Charles Maynes, based in Moscow, and Jennifer Pak, reporting from Beijing, joined host Ayesha Rascoe to explain what the outcomes mean for Russia and China.

The election was closely watched because it could shift the balance of power in Washington on issues that directly affect both countries, such as Ukraine and trade. In Russia, the Kremlin has long preferred a president who appears more open to dialogue with Moscow. The midterms, however, could tighten Democratic scrutiny of Trump’s ties to Russia and force a recalibration of U.S. policy toward Kyiv. In China, the results come as President Xi Jinping prepares for a likely fourth term, while bipartisan pressure in Washington grows to adopt a tougher stance on Beijing. Both capitals are assessing whether any deals struck with Trump will survive a potentially hostile Congress.

Maynes said President Vladimir Putin has not commented publicly, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia hopes Trump will keep pushing for peace in Ukraine. The Kremlin pointed to recent humanitarian work by Melania Trump and upcoming U.S.-led trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi as signs of progress. Senior diplomat Sergei Ryabkov added that Moscow views Democrats as fundamentally hostile, suggesting a preference for continued engagement with Trump. Maynes warned that the window for a Trump‑Russia bargain may be closing, as a new Congress could bring tighter oversight of any sanctions relief or concessions on Ukraine.

Pak noted that Beijing is taking a measured tone. The Chinese foreign ministry said it will maintain “business as usual” and honor the “constructive strategic stability” framework agreed at the two summits earlier this year. That framework acknowledges competition but calls for predictable relations. Pak stressed that Xi’s focus on securing a fourth term means China will likely continue its current approach, regardless of U.S. partisan swings. However, she warned that a more aggressive Congress could test the durability of any Trump‑Xi agreements.

Both correspondents agreed that the midterms have opened a brief period of strategic calculation for Moscow and Beijing. Russia may try to lock in a favorable deal before the new Congress convenes, while China will watch U.S. domestic politics for signs of a shift toward a harder line. How Washington’s next legislative session handles Ukraine aid, sanctions, and trade will shape the diplomatic landscape for the coming year.