U.S government shutdown makes China super happy

Beijing jumped all over the U.S. government shutdown Sunday, claiming the impasse exposes the “chronic flaws” in Western democracy.

Officials used an editorial in the state-run Xinhua news agency to question the “viability and legitimacy” of the U.S. political system, while mocking the Trump administration.

“What’s so ironic is that it came on the first anniversary of Donald Trump’s presidency on Saturday, a slap in the face for the leadership in Washington,” Xinhua’s Liu Chang said.

The shutdown began Friday, but the real impact will be felt Monday, when hundreds of thousands of federal workers remain at home after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a temporary spending bill.

While Xinhua’s editorials are not direct missives from Beijing, they do reflect government thinking:

“The Western democratic system is hailed by the developed world as near perfect and the most superior political system to run a country,” it said. “However, what’s happening in the United States today will make more people worldwide reflect on the viability and legitimacy of such a chaotic political system.”

A poll published Monday revealed a further unwelcome difference between the two rivals. According to the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, Chinese citizens see their government as a highly trusted institution, while Americans' trust in government has rarely been lower.

Still, some U.S. commentators hit back Monday, suggesting the shutdown was a perfect example of how a democracy should work:

While the Trump administration has spent the past year struggling to corral warring factions across Congress and the White House, President Xi Jinping has cemented his position atop a rival political system with far less room for dissent.

In October, Xi’s name and writings were enshrined into the constitution of the Communist Party of China, the 64-year-old accepting the role of leader for at least five more years.

The Senate is scheduled to vote Monday on an amended spending bill reportedly backed by moderates from both parties — but it's unclear if the legislation will get across the line.