Official announcements from the US or Chinese governments

China's Vice President Han Zheng to Attend Trump's Inauguration in First for Senior Chinese Leader

Jan 17, 2025, 02:12 AM

At the invitation of the United States, China will send Vice President Han Zheng as President Xi Jinping's special representative to attend President Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, January 20, in Washington, D.C. This marks the first time a senior Chinese leader will attend a U.S. presidential inauguration, an unprecedented move announced by China's Foreign Ministry on Friday that signals Beijing's willingness to engage with the new administration and reduce tensions between the two countries. Han Zheng, who has previously met with leaders such as Russia's President Vladimir Putin and attended significant events like King Charles III's coronation, will represent China at the ceremony. In past inaugurations, China typically sent lower-level officials or its ambassador; Han's attendance underscores the importance China places on stabilizing and enhancing dialogue with the United States.