Vice President Han Zheng, who will represent China at Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, is a key adviser to President Xi Jinping, reports UNB.
Han, a seasoned figure in Chinese politics, rose from humble beginnings working on a collective farm and in factories to becoming one of the country’s most influential leaders, UNB cites AP.
China’s choice to send Han instead of its usual ambassador to Washington seems to be a deliberate message, indicating its openness to improving ties with the U.S., while ensuring Xi remains insulated from potential criticism if relations deteriorate.
A number of contentious issues between the two countries involve trade, with Trump threatening high tariffs on Chinese imports. Relations have also been strained over technology and China’s assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Like many young Chinese, Han was sent to the countryside during the Cultural Revolution as part of Mao Zedong’s “learn from the peasants” campaign. Upon returning to the cities, many found work in state-run industries.
At 70, Han advanced through the ranks in Shanghai during the 1980s and 1990s, a period when China’s economy was rapidly growing. He held both Communist Party and managerial roles in the chemical and rubber industries, eventually catching the attention of senior leaders. His career trajectory led him to district-level governance, then mayor of the city, and later party secretary, after his predecessor was involved in a financial scandal. Xi had briefly held this position, providing Han with an opportunity to build a connection with him before Xi assumed China’s leadership.
In 2017, Han reached the pinnacle of Chinese political power by joining the Politburo Standing Committee, and after one five-year term, he was appointed vice president, a role Xi has enhanced with new responsibilities as a key adviser and envoy.
Throughout his career, Han has displayed a talent for diplomacy, particularly in handling unrest in Hong Kong and attending international events such as the United Nations General Assembly.
On Sunday, Han met US Vice President-elect JD Vance and business leaders, including Elon Musk, in Washington, just ahead of the inauguration.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
