Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent Vice President Han Zheng to the inauguration, an official whose seniority signals Beijing is ready to engage. After arriving in the U.S., Han wasted no time in doing just that.

The vice president-elect and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met on Sunday ahead of Trump's second inauguration.

Mr Han said US firms were welcome in China during the sit-down in Washington with Mr Musk. Read more at straitstimes.com.

China's vice president held meetings with the U.S. vice president-elect and U.S. business leaders, including Elon Musk, in Washington on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration, as the two major powers tackle ongoing tensions over trade and technology.

BEIJING: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with tech tycoon Elon Musk and urged US firms to "seize the opportunity" to deepen economic ties with China, Beijing's state media said on Monday (Jan 20).

China is sending Vice-President Han Zheng to US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday - the first time a senior Chinese leader will witness a US president being sworn in.

With Donald Trump's return to the White House, Chinese officials and businesses hold cautious optimism, aiming to prevent another damaging trade war like the one during his first term. Meanwhile, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng engages U.

Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will take the oath of office shortly before noon in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., in a scaled-back ceremony which was moved indoors due to bitter cold and gusty winds.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has selected Vice President Han Zheng to represent China at Trump’s inauguration. Although Xi will not attend, Han’s presence highlights China’s aim to maintain stable US relations.

President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office at noon followed by a presidential parade, signing ceremony and inaugural balls.

Here is a look at the foreign leaders who are coming to Washington for the 60th inauguration: Chinese President Xi Jinping was the first foreign leader whose invitation to the inauguration became public in December. Xi will not attend but is sending Vice President Han Zheng.