In a significant diplomatic move, China's Vice President Han Zheng attended meetings in Washington ahead of the Trump inauguration this Monday. Han met with US Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and prominent American business figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, to discuss critical bilateral issues, including trade and economic cooperation.

Han's attendance marks a historic occasion, as it is the first time a senior Chinese leader has been dispatched to attend such an event in the US. According to SCMP, Han's visit follows a phone call between President Xi Jinping and Trump, during which they expressed a desire for a constructive relationship moving forward.

During their meeting, Han emphasized that Beijing is prepared to collaborate with Washington to ensure a positive trajectory for China-US relations, aiming to "promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development" of these ties. Han highlighted the importance of mutual respect for each country’s core interests to navigate any existing differences.

In his dialogue with Musk, Han conveyed China's openness to US companies, particularly Tesla, to enhance investments and trade relations. This comes at a crucial time, as Tesla has substantial operations in China, positioning it as a significant player in the dialogue over economic partnership.

On social media, Trump reflected on his recent conversation with Xi, expressing optimism about resolving several pressing issues collaboratively, including trade and security matters. Additionally, there has been a notable development regarding the popular app TikTok, which recently restored services after Trump's indications of a potential shift in policy.

Han's meetings signify a critical moment in US-China diplomacy as the two nations look to navigate a complex landscape of economic competition and seek to minimize tensions. Observers believe that these interactions may lay the groundwork for a more amicable relationship despite ongoing challenges.

As the world watches this pivotal inauguration, it remains to be seen how the incoming Trump administration will deal with China, a country he has previously criticized heavily during his campaign. Both nations share substantial economic interests, and enhancing dialogue could be key in managing their complicated partnership in the years to come.

For ongoing coverage of this developing story, refer to the original articles from SCMP and CNN.