Hong Kong, M31GlobalNews — As Inauguration Day 2025 approaches, one surprising name has drawn attention: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. While Chinese President Xi Jinping did not personally accept President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to the president Donald Trump inauguration, Beijing made an unusual move by sending Han Zheng, one of its senior officials, to attend Monday’s event in Washington.
Han’s attendance is seen as a symbolic yet bold step as China seeks to stabilize its relationship with the U.S. during Trump’s second term. Here’s why this visit matters and what it could mean for U.S.-China relations.
A Historic Gesture from Beijing
Han Zheng’s trip marks the first time a Chinese official of this rank has attended a U.S. inauguration. While the position of vice president in China is largely ceremonial, Han’s role as Xi Jinping’s representative carries significant weight. Observers view this as a clear signal that Beijing is interested in resetting the strained relationship between the two global powers.
Han previously represented Xi at major events, such as the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III. His attendance at the Trump inauguration 2025 is being closely watched for signs of goodwill from China.
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The timing of this visit comes as Trump has expressed intentions to visit China early in his second term, signaling that both countries may look for opportunities to work together despite ongoing tensions.
A Message of Cooperation Amid Tensions
On Sunday, Han met with U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance to discuss key issues, including trade, fentanyl, and regional stability. According to M31GlobalNews, the Trump-Vance transition team said the meeting covered a “range of topics” and stressed the importance of dialogue.
Chinese state media outlet Xinhua reported that Han called for “stable, healthy, and sustainable” U.S.-China relations while acknowledging the ongoing economic and political differences.
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Han also met with American business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Beijing sees Musk, who is closely associated with Trump, as a potential bridge between the two nations. Musk’s Tesla factory in Shanghai is one of the largest outside the U.S., making him a key player in the trade dynamic between the two nations.
Xi and Trump’s “Good” Phone Call
Han’s visit follows a phone call between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump last Friday. Xi congratulated Trump on his reelection and emphasized the importance of restarting U.S.-China relations on a positive note.
“We both hope for a good start to the China-U.S. relationship during the new U.S. presidency and greater progress from a new starting point,” Xi told Trump, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Trump described the call as “very good” in a post on Truth Social, revealing they discussed trade, fentanyl, and the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok. Trump also confirmed his plans to delay enforcement of the controversial TikTok ban, which was briefly implemented over the weekend.
Why Is Han Zheng Attending the Inauguration?
The president Trump inauguration day comes at a delicate time for U.S.-China relations. Trump has campaigned on a tougher stance toward Beijing, including higher tariffs on Chinese imports and stricter policies on technology sharing. However, Trump has also expressed a willingness to engage with Xi, calling him “tough” and “smart.”
Sending Han Zheng to the inauguration day 2025 serves multiple purposes for China:
- It signals Beijing’s interest in keeping dialogue open.
- It offers a chance to mend ties as Trump transitions into office.
- It provides an opportunity for China to advocate for cooperation in areas like trade.
Challenges Ahead for U.S.-China Relations
Despite Han’s presence at the 2025 inauguration, U.S.-China relations remain fraught with challenges. Key issues include:
- Trade disputes and tariffs imposed by both countries.
- Concerns over China’s growing aggression in the South China Sea and toward Taiwan.
- U.S. restrictions on China’s access to advanced technologies.
Beijing’s decision to send Han, however, underscores its recognition of the importance of stabilizing relations with its top single-country trading partner, especially as China’s economy faces headwinds.
Inauguration Day 2025: How to Watch
For those asking “What time is Trump’s inauguration on Monday?” or “Where can I watch the inauguration?”, here’s what you need to know:
- What time is the inauguration 2025? The swearing-in ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2025.
- Live Coverage: M31GlobalNews will broadcast live from 7 a.m. ET, covering the inauguration schedule, speeches, and post-event analysis.
- Streaming Options: You can also watch live on M31GlobalNews.com.
Key Takeaways
Han Zheng’s attendance at the Trump inauguration 2025 sends a powerful signal of China’s willingness to engage with the U.S. despite ongoing tensions. The meetings between Han, JD Vance, and American business leaders highlight areas where cooperation is still possible, even as significant challenges remain.
As both nations navigate the complexities of their relationship, Han’s visit to Washington could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one that balances competition with collaboration. Stay tuned to M31GlobalNews for the latest updates on this evolving story.
Minutes by M31GlobalNews
