• Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration, sending Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative.
• This decision marks a departure from tradition, as no foreign heads of state have previously attended a U.S. presidential inauguration.
• Analysts see this move as a willingness from China to engage with the new U.S. administration despite increasing tensions.
• Han Zheng's mission is viewed as symbolic in nature, representing a cautious diplomacy from Beijing.
• The U.S. foreign policy under Trump is expected to be more aggressive towards China, especially with key cabinet nominees being strong critics of China.

In a notable diplomatic maneuver, Chinese President Xi Jinping has decided to forgo his own attendance at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, instead dispatching Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative. This decision was publicly announced by China’s foreign ministry, following a unique invitation extended by Trump himself, which marks a significant deviation from past protocol, as traditionally, no heads of state have participated in U.S. presidential inaugurations. As reported by both AP News and The Guardian, the invitation was viewed as a groundbreaking gesture.

In their announcement, the ministry reiterated their openness to working with the new administration to enhance dialogue and manage bilateral differences. The spokesperson emphasized the intent to “expand mutually beneficial cooperation” to maintain a stable and healthy relationship between China and the U.S.. This sentiment reflects a broader desire from Beijing to engage diplomatically even as challenges in their relationship loom large, particularly with Trump’s cabinet, many of whom are regarded as hardliners on China.

Experts interpret the sending of Han Zheng as an indication that China is willing to strategically adapt its diplomatic approaches. According to Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, this shows that "China is willing to talk, negotiate and make efforts to reach deals." Conversely, Danny Russel, a former diplomat, noted that Xi will not be allowing himself to be merely a “potted plant” during the inauguration, hinting at the careful balancing act China is attempting amid its rivalry with the United States.

As tensions seem poised to escalate, with Cabinet selections like Senator Marco Rubio, who has labeled China a principal adversary, the stage is set for a challenging dynamic between the two nations following the inauguration. Despite this backdrop, Han's role is viewed as largely symbolic, striving to maintain a diplomatic gesture without compromising China's standing.

For further details, visit AP News or The Guardian.