BEIJING — On the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration, China’s Vice President Han Zheng engaged in significant discussions in Washington with U.S. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and prominent business leaders, including Elon Musk. These talks focused on the ongoing tensions surrounding trade and technology, addressing critical themes such as fentanyl, trade balances, and regional stability.
Han highlighted the “extensive common interests and enormous space for cooperation” that exist between the U.S. and China, despite recognized disagreements and frictions. The meetings come at a time when Trump is considering various tariff measures during his second term, while also expressing a desire for collaborative efforts on issues like regional conflicts and the control of substances like fentanyl.
In an unprecedented move, Trump had previously invited Xi Jinping to attend the inauguration, marking the first time a head of state has accepted such an invitation. However, Xi will not be attending in person. Following discussions between Xi and Trump prior to the inauguration, they addressed various topics, including trade and the social media app TikTok, which briefly ceased operations in the U.S. but was quickly restored just hours before the inauguration.
During his visit, Han Zheng met with Musk and other key U.S. business executives, reaffirming commitments to enhancing the business climate for foreign firms in China. The discussions included aspirations for U.S. companies to increase their investments in China’s market.
Elon Musk, who leads a Tesla manufacturing facility in Shanghai, expressed his views on the TikTok situation on his platform X, stating that he has always opposed the TikTok ban as it contradicts principles of free speech. He also pointed out the imbalance in social media access, noting that while TikTok operates in the U.S., X remains blocked in China, alongside other major American social media platforms.
This dialogue reflects a willingness from both nations to find common ground amidst their differences, suggesting a hopeful outlook for future cooperation in economic relations. The discussions held between leaders are crucial steps in navigating a path forward that could benefit both economies.
In conclusion, these high-level meetings signify a potential thawing in relations, opening doors for constructive discussions on mutual interests in trade, commerce, and technology. The anticipation surrounding this inaugural period highlights the importance of dialogue in global diplomacy.