China Sends Vice-President to Trump’s Inauguration
China is making a significant diplomatic gesture by sending Vice-President Han Zheng to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. This marks the first time a senior Chinese leader will attend a U.S. presidential inauguration. The decision reflects China’s desire to engage with the new U.S. administration, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
A Historic Diplomatic Gesture
Vice-President Han Zheng’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, is a notable departure from tradition. Typically, foreign leaders do not attend U.S. presidential inaugurations. However, Trump extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was seen as an attempt to foster dialogue with both allies and adversaries. Han’s presence at the event symbolizes a willingness from Beijing to work with the incoming administration.
China has expressed its intention to collaborate with the new U.S. government to “find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other in the new era.” This statement underscores the importance of U.S.-China relations, especially given the complexities of global politics. The invitation to Han also indicates that China is keen to establish a working relationship with Trump, who has been known for his combative stance towards Beijing.
Despite this diplomatic overture, there are underlying tensions. Trump’s administration is expected to implement new tariffs on Chinese imports, which could escalate trade disputes. Marco Rubio, the nominee for Secretary of State, has labeled China as “the largest, most advanced adversary America has ever faced.” This context adds a layer of complexity to Han’s attendance at the inauguration.
Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Strategy
Chinese President Xi Jinping has opted to send Han Zheng instead of attending the inauguration himself. This decision is strategic. Xi has never attended an inauguration or coronation ceremony, preferring to send representatives in his place. The Chinese ambassador to the U.S. attended the last two presidential inaugurations, highlighting a pattern of delegation rather than direct participation.
By sending Han, Xi aims to engage Trump while maintaining a degree of distance. Neil Thomas, a fellow in Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute, suggests that Xi wants to encourage Trump to enter a deal-making mindset without appearing overly eager. This approach allows Xi to navigate the complexities of U.S.-China relations while keeping options open for future negotiations.
Han’s previous attendance at other international inaugurations, such as those in Indonesia and the Philippines, demonstrates China’s willingness to engage diplomatically on a global scale. However, sending a vice-president rather than a higher-ranking official like Cai Qi, who is seen as Xi’s right-hand man, indicates a cautious approach. This choice allows China to maintain a buffer in case relations with the U.S. deteriorate.
The Implications of Han’s Role
Han Zheng, appointed vice-president in March 2023, holds a significant position within the Chinese political landscape. Known as “number eight,” he is the most senior leader after the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee. His political career has been largely focused on Shanghai, where he served as Xi’s aide before taking on various leadership roles.
As vice-president, Han has prioritized foreign affairs, promoting initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and overseeing the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. His experience in international diplomacy makes him a suitable representative for China at Trump’s inauguration. However, his absence from the Politburo Standing Committee may have influenced the decision to send him.
Prof. Chong Ja-Ian from Carnegie China notes that sending Han allows Xi to maintain some distance from Trump. Should U.S.-China relations worsen, Xi can demonstrate that he did not send a close ally, thereby preserving his political standing. Han’s role is crucial, as he is trusted enough to undertake this mission but not so closely tied to Xi that he cannot be held accountable if things go awry.
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