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.

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.

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

China’s Vice President Han Zheng will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, signaling a potential thaw in US-China relations. Learn about Han’s diplomatic role, his discussions with US leaders, and the implications for bilateral ties.

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

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,

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.

President-elect Donald Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and conservative world leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni to the ... but is sending Vice President Han Zheng. The announcement to dispatch ...

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 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 is expected to attend Monday ... including Italy’s right-wing leader Giorgia Meloni and Argentina’s Javier Milei. The incoming president’s invitation ...

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