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Countries around the world will be watching the U.S. election Nov. 4 -- and many of those countries have already decided which candidate they would like to see win.

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, all other events are on the back burner and the world is hushed, waiting in deafening silence for the next U.S. president to come to power. Many around the globe have already identified their favorite candidate in whispers at diplomatic events, embassy cocktails and unofficial meetings but held their opinions close to the chest officially (except in Iran or Venezuela). Here’s how the “world electoral map” breaks down.

The bulk of East Asia generally favors Sen. John McCain. Historically, Republicans have exhibited a stronger commitment to East Asian affairs — from the post-war reconstructions of Japan and South Korea to Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972 and U.S. President George W. Bush’s pursuit of deeper trade ties. China is wary of a Democratic executive and legislature, particularly during an economic recession. Beijing perceives the Democrats as more prone to protectionist measures and China-bashing, which could impinge upon the United States’ otherwise open trade policies. Ironically, Taiwan too hopes for a McCain presidency for reasons that put it at odds with China, as the Republicans have long had a watchful eye on Taiwan’s security needs. Other Asian countries stand to benefit from freer trade, and South Korea is apprehensive about the status of its already-signed free trade agreement with the United States if ratification is left to a Democrat-controlled Senate without any presidential support.