The Austrian minister claims that pushback against Trump benefits the Chinese.

• The Chinese government will benefit from the opposition to a potentially contentious US election, as stated by Austria's Foreign Minister on Thursday.
• Mark Malloch-Brown, president of Open Society Foundations, stated that it was "premature to conclude" that Trump would win the presidency.

Alexander Schallenberg, Austria's foreign minister, stated on Thursday that the liberal opposition to a potential divisive US election will benefit the Chinese.

In an interview with CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Schallenberg advised against transforming the upcoming election into a "philosophical discussion," where the democratic process is challenged due to the divisiveness of certain candidates.

We must avoid engaging in an intellectual argument that could lead us to express our preference for not having elections in the U.S., as this would benefit the Chinese.

"Democracy is viewed as a weakness by them, resulting in slower and more cumbersome processes. However, this is incorrect, as democracy is actually a strength," he stated. The Chinese Embassy in the U.K. did not respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Schallenberg discussed the electoral eligibility of former President Donald Trump, who is a likely Republican candidate and is currently facing legal proceedings regarding his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

The foreign minister stated that he still had immense faith in the U.S. Constitution and its institutions, as well as their capacity to produce two legitimate and electorally representative candidates.

During his presidency, Trump was highly skeptical of China and adopted a protectionist approach. Nevertheless, several of his policies have been continued by the Biden administration.

‘Too soon to assume’ Trump will win

Mark Malloch-Brown, president of the Open Society Foundations, was on a panel with Schallenberg.

Despite winning the Iowa caucuses on Monday, it is "too soon to assume" that Trump will win the presidency or even the Republican candidacy, according to Malloch-Brown.

Trump is viewed by some Americans as the "change candidate," but he should not be dismissed because many are looking for just that.

According to Malloch-Brown, Americans view him as the change candidate during a time when they are highly frustrated and exhausted about their economic stability and future prospects.

Malloch-Brown stated that he believes his case is more convincing than that of his Democratic opponents, who think that anyone who supports him is considered insane.

The November vote, one of approximately 70 elections to occur this year, is frequently characterized as an "apocalyptic event." However, it may ultimately prove to be "more traditional" than expected.