Chinese President Xi Sends Vice President Han Zheng to Trump's Inauguration

On January 20, 2025, Vice President Han Zheng will represent China at Trump's inauguration, marking a historical event amid U.S.-China relations tensions.

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This story was covered by 20 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

World

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.

Balanced

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, sending Vice President Han Zheng instead. This further indicates a willingness for dialogue amidst trade tensions. Recently, Xi and Trump discussed crucial issues like trade and fentanyl. Xi congratulated Trump, emphasizing the significance of mutual respect and cooperation. Their recent communication suggests a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations, which have been strained during past administrations. Trump's planned tariffs and ongoing issues surrounding TikTok remain points of contention as the two nations navigate their complex relationship.

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From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

Xi Jinping's decision to send Vice President Han Zheng instead of attending Trump's inauguration signals both a diplomatic gesture and a cautious approach given the underlying tensions between the US and China.
Despite chatters of cooperation between Trump and Xi, experts warn that Trump's cabinet picks are comprised of known hardliners, suggesting future negotiations could be fraught with confrontation.
While Trump expresses optimism about solving issues collaboratively, economic analysts predict that his proposed tariffs could exacerbate tensions rather than foster collaboration.

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From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

President-elect Trump's call with Xi Jinping, described as productive, emphasizes the intention to collaboratively work on issues like trade and fentanyl, setting a potentially favorable tone as he assumes office.
Xi sending Vice President Han Zheng to Trump’s inauguration instead of attending himself is seen as a move to keep channels of communication open while managing geopolitical tensions.
Trump's previous aggressive trade policies, combined with his continued threats to raise tariffs, indicate a complex balancing act he must navigate as he seeks to engage with China while maintaining a tough stance.

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Highlights (15)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

Despite the looming trade tensions and harsh rhetoric surrounding his incoming administration's policies, there is a glimmer of hope that a constructive dialogue can emerge between the US and China, aiming for a more peaceful and cooperative future.
Trump speaks with China’s Xi, says leaders will make world ‘more peaceful’
Al Jazeera
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
The phone call between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump marks a significant moment, highlighting both leaders' attempts to navigate the complexities of China-US relations amidst looming economic and geopolitical challenges.
Trump says he had ‘good’ call with China’s Xi about TikTok and trade
The Guardian
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
The recent phone call between Trump and Xi underscores a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations, suggesting both leaders are eager to address pressing global issues collaboratively.
Trump and China's Xi speak by phone as Supreme Court issues TikTok ruling
NPR
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The call between President-elect Trump and President Xi underscores a pivotal moment in U.S.-China relations, as both leaders appear eager to navigate their differences while addressing pressing issues like trade and drug trafficking in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Trump says he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday
NBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
While Trump extends a hand for cooperation with China, his aggressive stance on tariffs and trade reflects a complex strategy aimed at balancing diplomacy with national interests.
Trump talks trade, TikTok and fentanyl in ‘good’ phone call with China’s Xi days before inauguration
New York Post
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
Trump's unexpected shift towards supporting TikTok underscores his willingness to embrace potential redemption with the platform despite previous antagonism.
Trump talks to China's Xi Jinping hours before Supreme Court TikTok decision
USA TODAY
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The emerging dialogue between Trump and Xi reflects a cautious optimism for U.S.-China relations, yet Trump's looming decision on TikTok poses a complex challenge that complicates this promising narrative.
Trump and China's Xi discuss TikTok, trade, fentanyl, president-elect says
CNBC
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The positive tone set by President-elect Trump in his first official call with Xi Jinping signals a hopeful approach to addressing significant challenges in U.S.-China relations.
Trump Holds Call With Xi Ahead of Inauguration
Epoch Times
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
The evolving dynamics between the U.S. and China will be crucial as Trump embarks on his second term, underscoring the delicate balancing act required to manage both cooperation and competition.
Trump And Xi Speak On The Phone Ahead Inauguration, China’s Foreign Ministry Says
HuffPost
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Left
As Trump prepares to take office, his overtures to Xi Jinping signal a willingness to foster dialogue, yet the specter of a renewed trade war looms large amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and China.
Trump, China's Xi speak on phone ahead of inauguration
FOX News
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
Even as President-elect Trump prepares for his return to the White House, the ongoing complexities of U.S.-China relations loom large, with trade tensions and issues surrounding TikTok taking center stage.
Trump and Chinese leader Xi talk about trade, fentanyl and TikTok
Associated Press
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Trump's renewed engagement with Xi underscores a potentially cooperative path forward for US-China relations, yet the specter of past tensions, especially regarding trade and Taiwan, looms large.
Trump holds ‘very good’ phone call with China’s President Xi
CNN
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
By sending Vice-President Han Zheng to Donald Trump's inauguration, China subtly conveys its desire to engage in pragmatic diplomacy while cautiously avoiding close ties with the unpredictable US administration.
Han Zheng: The Chinese leader attending Trump's inauguration?
BBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The decision for Vice President Han Zheng to attend Trump's inauguration highlights China's intent to maintain a constructive dialogue with the incoming administration, despite the historically minimal presence of foreign leaders at such events.
China says its vice president Han Zheng will be attending Trump's inauguration
Business Insider
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Xi Jinping's decision to send Vice President Han Zheng instead of attending Trump's inauguration himself reveals China's calculated approach to U.S. relations, prioritizing dialogue over traditional protocol.
Chinese President Xi Jinping Will Send a Special Representative to Trump's Inauguration
Newsmax
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right