Chinese leader Xi Jinping may not have personally accepted US President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to his inauguration, but Beijing has taken the rare step of dispatching a top official to join the swearing-in ceremony in Washington.

The inauguration of Donald Trump saw political leaders, industrial barons and far-right world leaders attend. Here's who was in the audience.

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.

One of the highest-ranking members of the Chinese Communist Party will attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday. Trump had previously invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inauguration ceremony,

Chinese President Xi Jinping has designated Vice President Han Zheng to represent China at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This decision signals China’s desire for stable relations with the US while avoiding the spotlight at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.

Now, European leaders are counting on Meloni — a “fantastic woman”, according to Trump — to persuade the US president to hold back on his threat to hit the EU with tariffs to force it to spend more on defence and American energy.

The inauguration ceremony is set to host a high-profile guest list, including global billionaires, foreign leaders, tech moguls, former US presidents, and Hollywood celebrities.

Vice President Han Zheng will represent China at Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, signalling a potential thaw in Washington-Beijing relations.View on euronews