In an unprecedented move, China is sending Vice President Han Zheng to attend Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, marking a historical moment in Sino-U.S. relations. Han Zheng will become the highest-ranking Chinese official to ever attend an American transfer-of-power ceremony, a significant departure from diplomatic norms. Traditionally, no foreign head of state has participated in such events, with State Department records dating back to 1874 confirming this trend.
The decision to send Han Zheng comes amidst a backdrop of uncertainty regarding Trump’s foreign policy. While President Xi Jinping will not attend the inauguration, experts suggest that sending Han Zheng represents a "safer choice" for China. Hoo Tiang Boon, an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Social Sciences, stated that this choice reflects a cautious diplomatic strategy.
In addition to Han Zheng, the tech world will be well-represented at the inauguration, with billionaire CEOs Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg reportedly planning to attend. Furthermore, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has confirmed his attendance, expressing a desire to foster a relationship of trust with the incoming Trump administration. Both India and Australia have also announced that their foreign ministers will be present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Amidst this gathering of global leaders, Han Zheng may seize the opportunity to meet with U.S. officials on the sidelines to discuss various policy issues. However, experts remain skeptical about the likelihood of substantive discussions occurring during such encounters.
The selection of Han Zheng over other possible envoys, such as Cai Qi, a Politburo Standing Committee member and Xi’s chief of staff, or Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, indicates a strategic decision on China’s part. Mahoney commented that “if either Cai Qi or Wang Yi are sent, there should be no complaints,” emphasizing that Han Zheng is more than adequate in terms of rank for this mission. “(The) vice president is a strong, safe choice,” Mahoney added.
Cai Qi's absence from the delegation is noteworthy. He is regarded as a powerful figure within the Chinese government, controlling access to President Xi’s office and significantly influencing party doctrine and agenda-setting. Some experts argue that sending Cai Qi could have been interpreted as a signal that China values stability and seeks good relations with the Trump administration. Hoo articulated this perspective, noting that “if Xi were to send Cai Qi, it would be taken as a signal that the Chinese value stability.”
Moreover, Han Zheng's attendance at the inauguration sends “an enormous signal,” according to Wilder, who clarified that it underscores the importance of face-to-face interactions with Trump and his incoming cabinet members despite uncertainties surrounding Trump’s policy directions. Wilder remarked that “We haven't had a senior Chinese envoy come to any of the inaugurations,” enhancing the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
The invitation extended to President Xi Jinping has been perceived as primarily rhetorical by Trump, allowing for potential political maneuvering. Given Trump’s previous comments regarding China and its leadership, experts caution that he has not articulated views about China that are "nearly as hawkish as his advisers." This inconsistency contributes to the complexity of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
As the inauguration approaches, analysts continue to speculate on the implications of Han Zheng's presence at this high-profile event. The decision reflects China’s intent to navigate the uncertain waters of U.S.-China relations while attempting to establish a rapport with the new administration.
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