Donald Trump is brandishing the tariff club against many countries, including China. Nevertheless, the future American president invited Chinese head of state Xi Jinping to his inauguration. Observers saw this as an attempt to ease the strained relationship between the world’s two largest economies. In fact, Beijing is now sending a fairly senior representative to Washington DC
As the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday, Vice President Han Zheng will attend the ceremony on January 20 in Washington DC. At the same time, a spokesperson emphasized Hans’ willingness to work with the US government to improve exchanges and deal with disagreements appropriately.
Trump had already threatened China with further tariffs, which is likely to worsen trade relations between the two countries. He also appointed some harsh critics of China to his government team, indicating that Washington is taking a tough line against Beijing.
Also at the coronation of King Charles III. gift
Han, a high-ranking Chinese politician, takes part in the ceremony. Xi had already sent him as a special envoy to such meetings several times. In October last year, the 70-year-old traveled to Jakarta in this capacity for the swearing-in of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. In May 2023, he represented China at the coronation of King Charles III. in Great Britain.
Austria represented by ambassador
In addition to Xi, Trump also invited other heads of state and government. However, Beijing took its time before making a commitment. Unlike a state visit, Xi would have simply sat in the audience and listened to Trump’s speech without being able to respond. Observers saw this as too great a risk for the Chinese head of state to strengthen Trump’s authority with the visit and thus end up in a weaker position. Austria will be represented by Ambassador Petra Schneeberger.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
