Xi Jinping and Trump exchange calls as Chinese VP attends inauguration

"President of China Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday," reads a brief statement from Xinhua. The agency did not provide any details of the conversation.

On Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Vice President Han Zheng will represent China at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in Washington. "This event is historic, as it marks the first time such a high-ranking Chinese official will be present at the inauguration of an American president," it was emphasised. Han will attend the ceremony as the "special representative" of Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Additionally, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that it is ready to cooperate with the new US government. The goal is to enhance dialogue and communication and manage differences between the countries. The Ministry stressed the desire to expand cooperation and seek stable relations between China and the USA.

"We are ready to work with the new US government to strengthen dialogue and communication, properly handle differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly strive for stable, healthy, and balanced China-US relations, and find the right path for both countries to maintain better contacts," added the Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

According to media reports, Trump invited Xi Jinping himself to his inauguration, which will take place on 20th January (Greenwich Mean Time).

Source: Xinhua/PAP