Chinese leader Xi Jinping may not have personally accepted US President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to his inauguration, but Beijing has taken the rare step of dispatching a top official to join the swearing-in ceremony in Washington.

Vice President Han Zheng, China’s representative at Donald Trump’s inauguration, is a trusted adviser to President Xi Jinping.

Vice President Han Zheng will represent China at Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, signalling a potential thaw in Washington-Beijing relations.View on euronews

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will attend Donald Trump's inauguration, marking a significant change as no senior Chinese official has previously done so. This visit aims to improve US-China relations amidst concerns over Trump's cabinet's stance on China.

For Donald Trump’s inauguration, China is sending Vice President Han Zheng. This comes after the incoming US president invited Xi Jinping to attend the January 20 event — a break from tradition

Han's attendance marks a first for the two countries. Foreign heads of state usually do not attend US presidential inaugurations.

Han Zheng will represent China at Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration on Jan 20, marking an unprecedented senior-level attendance from Beijing.

HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's Vice President Han Zheng will attend U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, Chinese state news agencies said on Friday, with Beijing ready to enhance dialogue with the new U.S. administration.

BEIJING: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with tech tycoon Elon Musk and urged US firms to "seize the opportunity" to deepen economic ties with China, Beijing's state media said on Monday (Jan 20).

Donald Trump’s second term in office is getting off to a good start for China.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attend a meeting with Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves ...

Han has used the visit to meet with members of the American business community, including Tesla CEO and close Trump associate Elon Musk, according to Chinese state agency Xinhua. Musk is widely thought to be seen by Beijing as more sympathetic to its interests than others in Trump’s orbit.