China Sends VP Han Zheng to Trump’s Inauguration \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration but is sending Vice President Han Zheng as his representative. The decision underscores China’s intent to maintain diplomacy without compromising protocol. Analysts suggest Beijing’s move reflects both courtesy and a cautious approach to U.S.-China relations as tensions rise.
China’s Diplomatic Signal: Quick Looks
- Xi Jinping’s Decision: Xi will not attend Trump’s inauguration, breaking speculation after Trump’s unusual invitation.
- Han Zheng’s Role: Han Zheng, China’s vice president, will represent Xi as a symbolic diplomatic gesture.
- Foreign Ministry Statement: China seeks to enhance dialogue, manage differences, and promote stable U.S.-China ties.
- Analysts’ Views: Experts believe Beijing aims to balance diplomacy with caution to avoid missteps.
- U.S.-China Rivalry: With China hawks in Trump’s Cabinet, tensions in bilateral relations are expected to grow.
- China’s Protocol History: Xi has skipped similar high-profile events, such as King Charles III’s coronation, sending vice presidents instead.
- Trump’s Approach: Trump prefers direct dealings with world leaders, unlike Beijing’s focus on structured diplomacy.
- Symbolic Implications: Analysts describe Han Zheng’s attendance as a gesture of dialogue rather than substantive engagement.
Deep Look
Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, instead appointing Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative. The announcement, made Friday by China’s foreign ministry, highlights Beijing’s cautious yet deliberate approach to managing its complex relationship with the incoming Trump administration.
A Break from Tradition
Trump’s invitation to Xi marked an unusual departure from protocol, as heads of state typically do not attend U.S. presidential inaugurations. Analysts widely anticipated that Xi would decline, given his history of forgoing similar ceremonial events. As president, Xi has avoided attending international coronations, funerals, and memorials, including those of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. In such cases, he has consistently sent vice presidents as his representatives.
By dispatching Vice President Han Zheng, China signals both its respect for U.S.-China relations and its preference for strategic diplomacy over symbolic pageantry. Han also represented China at King Charles III’s coronation, further underscoring his role as a key figure for high-level ceremonial engagements.
China’s Diplomatic Position
The Chinese foreign ministry framed the decision within the context of improving bilateral ties. “We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly pursue a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-U.S. relationship,” the ministry’s spokesperson said in the announcement.
This measured statement reflects Beijing’s intent to preserve diplomatic courtesies while preparing for potential challenges under Trump’s administration.
Expert Analysis: Balancing Protocol and Pragmatism
Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, suggested that Xi’s decision reflects China’s willingness to accommodate Trump’s preferences. “It indicates that China is willing to talk, negotiate, and make efforts to reach deals,” Sun noted.
However, Danny Russel, a former U.S. diplomat and current vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute, interpreted the move as cautious hedging. “Zero chance that Xi Jinping would allow himself to be a potted plant at Donald Trump’s triumphal coronation,” Russel commented. Han Zheng’s attendance, he added, is “symbolic, not substantive,” ensuring China maintains diplomatic courtesy without committing to deeper engagement.
U.S.-China Relations on the Brink
Trump’s Cabinet nominations signal an administration likely to take a hard line on China. Key appointees, such as Senator Marco Rubio, tapped as secretary of state, have already voiced strong opposition to Beijing. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Rubio described China as “the most potent, dangerous, and near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted.”
As the rivalry between the U.S. and China deepens, Beijing appears to be playing the long game. China traditionally favors leader-to-leader talks to guide relations, a stark contrast to Trump’s preference for direct and sometimes unpredictable engagement with world leaders.
Symbolism Over Substance
The decision to send Han Zheng aligns with Beijing’s diplomatic playbook of prioritizing protocol while maintaining flexibility. Analysts emphasize that Han’s attendance is unlikely to yield immediate policy shifts but instead serves as a gesture of goodwill and a signal of China’s willingness to engage with the new administration.
The move also reflects Beijing’s recognition of the unique dynamics Trump brings to U.S.-China relations. Trump’s unorthodox approach to diplomacy has often involved personal overtures to foreign leaders, creating a contrast to China’s preference for structured and hierarchical interactions.
Looking Ahead
The decision to send Han Zheng highlights Beijing’s careful navigation of a shifting geopolitical landscape. While China seeks to maintain stable relations with the U.S., the appointment of China hawks in Trump’s Cabinet suggests that tensions over trade, technology, and military strategy are likely to escalate.
Xi’s absence also underscores his selective engagement strategy, reserving direct participation for summits and bilateral state visits that promise substantive outcomes. As the Trump administration takes office, the world will closely watch how these two global powers manage their differences and navigate an increasingly complex relationship.
China Sends VP China Sends VP
