Washington: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, acting as President Xi Jinping's special representative, is set to attend the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump. This event, scheduled for Monday, marks the start of Trump's second term as President of the United States.

According to Anadolu Agency, Han's attendance at the ceremony is at the invitation of the US government, as confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The ministry's statement emphasized China's commitment to maintaining 'principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation' in its relations with the United States. The statement further expressed China's willingness to work collaboratively with the new US administration to enhance dialogue, manage differences effectively, and broaden mutually beneficial cooperation. This collaboration aims to foster a stable, healthy, and sustainable relationship between the two nations.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted that this visit marks the first instance of such a high-ranking Chinese official attending a US presidential inauguration. The ministry emphasized China's objective to establish a constructive path for coexistence with the US in the new era.

Reports previously indicated that President Trump extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping shortly after his re-election last November. This invitation to a major US rival, rather than a traditional Western ally, has reportedly caused discontent among some of the US's long-standing allies.