Vice President J.D. Vance took the oath of office at the Capitol Rotunda, putting him in line to carry the torch of the MAGA movement.

Han has used the visit to meet with members of the American business community, including Tesla CEO and close Trump associate Elon Musk, according to Chinese state agency Xinhua. Musk is widely thought to be seen by Beijing as more sympathetic to its interests than others in Trump’s orbit.

(250120) -- WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative, meets with U.S. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

China’s vice president held meetings with the U.S. vice president-elect and U.S. business leaders, including Elon Musk, in Washington on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration, as the two major powers tackle ongoing tensions over trade and technology.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Argentine President Javier Milei and other foreign dignitaries were in attendance at President Trump’s inauguration on Monday, even as the new commander in chief vowed to use the full weight of his power to put U.

Han Zheng, China's vice president, met with U.S. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and Tesla Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elon Musk in the United States. Han is on a visit to the U.S. to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as a special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Upon invitation, Han attended the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

Excerpt: A Chinese presidential envoy has met with Vance and Musk to hold discussions on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration. China’s Vice President Han Zheng met with US Vice

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, representing President Xi Jinping. This move underlines China’s interest in maintaining stable US relations. Key figures like tech leaders and former US presidents are also expected.

With temperatures reaching a high of 24 degrees in Washington, D.C., the event was moved into the Capitol Rotunda, with a reduced audience as Trump's political comeback is made official.

The second inauguration for Donald Trump has drawn a diverse group of attendees, including former U.S. presidents, tech industry titans and international leaders. Trump's family, including first lady Melania and children Donald Jr.