The most anticipated day of 2025, which began with significant developments in terms of international relations, was undoubtedly January 20. The inauguration ceremony held for Donald J. Trump, who was elected as the new President of the United States (USA) on this date, made a global impact as foreign leaders were invited and attended for the first time in history. Trump’s personal invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping raised questions about whether China would participate. In this context, the most notable development of the ceremony was the attendance of Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. China’s participation in Trump’s inauguration during such a period can be regarded as a constructive step and a multifaceted diplomatic move.
Trump’s invitation to China for the inauguration, along with his statements made since the candidacy process, carries a message of a potential shift in the current strategy toward China. Despite the relatively tough stance taken by the U.S. in recent presidential terms, including trade wars and military tensions, Trump’s decision to take such a step toward China symbolizes a pursuit of deeper and more constructive cooperation between the two countries. This participation can be seen as an opportunity to restructure diplomatic relations.
Despite his previously tough stance toward China, recent statements by new President Donald Trump indicating a pursuit of better relations with China have drawn significant attention. His invitation to Xi Jinping for the inauguration sparked great public curiosity about whether China would participate. Historically, China has had relatively limited involvement in such international events. Nevertheless, in response to Trump’s invitation, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attended the ceremony. In this context, China’s decision to send a high-ranking official to Trump’s inauguration marks a step demonstrating its willingness to improve relations with the United States and adopt a constructive approach.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attended Donald Trump’s inauguration as the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Conveying Xi’s greetings to Trump, Han emphasized the importance of economic and trade relations between China and the United States. He reiterated China’s commitment to its reform and opening-up policies, highlighting that mutual respect and win-win cooperation should form the foundation of future bilateral relations. During his visit, Han also held meetings with U.S. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, entrepreneur Elon Musk, and other business leaders. These discussions can be viewed as a positive step toward actively addressing and debating key issues concerning the future of U.S.-China relations in the new era.
Han Zheng’s meetings with business leaders suggest that China may intensify its efforts to improve economic relations. In this context, Trump’s invitation to China for his inauguration appears not only as a political gesture but also as a step toward reconsidering economic ties. Indeed, China, as one of the most significant players in the global economy, holds a major role in the United States’ trade relations. Therefore, China’s participation in the inauguration stands out as a move aimed at strengthening both diplomatic and economic connections.
Han Zheng’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration can be attributed to several factors. The strategic dimensions of China’s relations with the United States and Xi Jinping’s decision not to participate made Han Zheng a logical choice for this role. His experience as a seasoned leader in handling Hong Kong and Macau affairs, his representation of China’s strong foreign policy stance, his expertise in managing economic success in cities like Shanghai, and his close ties with Xi Jinping positioned him as the most suitable candidate for such a critical diplomatic mission. This move reflects China’s intent to strengthen its global diplomatic posture and maintain cooperative relations with the United States.
China seized the opportunity to use this diplomatic event to ease trade tensions with the United States and establish a more stable economic relationship. While challenges in trade agreements, particularly in strategic sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence, have created friction, sending a high-ranking representative to Trump’s inauguration was a constructive response aimed at reshaping these ties. Through such diplomatic steps, China clearly demonstrated its desire for greater cooperation with the U.S. on the future of global trade by accepting Trump’s invitation.
Trump’s communication with Xi Jinping before the inauguration indicates that both sides are open to dialogue on significant issues. During a phone call initiated at Trump’s request, Xi proposed that China and the United States build strong relations and cooperate in line with mutual interests. He also emphasized the importance of mutual respect regarding the Taiwan issue and economic relations. Trump, in turn, expressed his aspiration for a long-term friendship with China and his commitment to maintaining global peace.
The mutual steps taken during this period reflect both sides’ willingness to enhance diplomatic relations and use dialogue as a channel to address potential disagreements and unresolved issues. Trump’s expressed desire to visit China as president, coupled with this invitation, suggests that a potential visit later this year would differ from his 2017 trip to China. In light of recent developments, it is evident that both parties recognize the regional and global significance of China-U.S. relations and are inclined to take steps toward strengthening their ties.
In conclusion, China’s participation in Trump’s inauguration following his invitation marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. This strategic move by China represents a significant step toward enhancing global economic cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties. Han Zheng’s attendance serves not merely as a symbolic gesture but as a positive indication of the future of U.S.-China relations. Despite geopolitical and military tensions, such diplomatic engagements could lay the groundwork for closer collaboration between the two nations in addressing global challenges.
