Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, opting instead to send Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative. This decision marks a notable departure from tradition, as Trump extended an unusual invitation to Xi, breaking from the norm where no heads of state have previously made an official visit to the US for an inauguration. The Chinese foreign ministry announced this decision, highlighting the delicate balance in international diplomacy as the US-China rivalry intensifies.
Han Zheng, who previously represented Xi at King Charles III's coronation, will be tasked with taking part in the inauguration ceremonies. His presence symbolizes a gesture of courtesy from China during a period of heightened tensions between the two superpowers. The dispatch of Han comes at a time when several of Trump's nominees for key Cabinet positions are known to be China hawks, including Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, nominated as secretary of state. Rubio has been vocal, describing China as "the most potent, dangerous and near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted." The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has urged him to prioritize countering China.
Trump has expressed a preference for engaging directly with world leaders, while Beijing favors leader-level talks as a means to guide bilateral relations. Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center, noted,
"China is willing to forego protocol and cater to what Trump wants."
"It indicates that China is willing to talk, negotiate and make efforts to reach deals."
Danny Russel, vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, emphasized the symbolic nature of Han's attendance:
"Zero chance that Xi Jinping would allow himself to be potted plant at Donald Trump’s triumphal coronation. At the same time, ensuring that China extends enough courtesy to avoid bruising Trump’s ego."
"Han’s mission, the former American diplomat said, is 'symbolic, not substantive.'"
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated China's commitment to fostering stable relations:
"We stand ready to work with the new US government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relations and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other."
