Official statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry or the U.S. government, or coverage from major news outlets

China Sends Vice President Han Zheng to Trump's Inauguration in Washington, D.C. on January 20

Jan 17, 2025, 03:45 AM

Chinese President Xi Jinping has chosen not to attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 in Washington, D.C., opting instead to send Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative. This decision was announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which expressed readiness to work with the new U.S. administration to enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. The attendance of Han Zheng marks a historic shift, as it is the first time a senior Chinese leader will attend a U.S. presidential inauguration, breaking from the tradition of sending ambassadors.