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.

For Donald Trump’s inauguration, China is sending Vice President Han Zheng. This comes after the incoming US president invited Xi Jinping to attend the January 20 event — a break from tradition

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a front-row appearance at the swearing-in of a new world leader, an event that attracted the attention of numerous international leaders and celebrities. The gesture not only underscores her prominent role on the European political scene,

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.

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.

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

Their attendance marks the first time world leaders have been present at a U.S. president’s swearing-in ceremony, a historian said.

Georgian former president, far-right European politicians to also attend alongside Chinese vice president - Anadolu Ajansı

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington on Monday, her office confirmed on Saturday. Meloni will be one of the highest-profile European politicians to attend the event.

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.

For the first time in U.S. history, a president-elect is welcoming foreign leaders for one of the most American political traditions — the peaceful transfer of power

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