Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng has held talks with the US vice-president-elect J.D. Vance and tech billionaire Elon Musk at separate meetings in Washington ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a "long and fruitful" relationship.

Trump advisor Elon Musk has longstanding business ties in China.

China’s vice president has held meetings with the U.S. vice president-elect and business leaders including Elon Musk on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration

The crowded scene in the Capitol Rotunda on Inauguration Day featured four of the world’s five wealthiest men, five U.S. presidents, influential sporting figures and two other foreign leaders with prime seats on the dais.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent Vice President Han Zheng to the inauguration, an official whose seniority signals Beijing is ready to engage. After arriving in the U.S., Han wasted no time in doing just that.

Han has used the visit to meet with members of the American business community, including Tesla CEO and close Trump associate Elon Musk, according to Chinese state agency Xinhua. Musk is widely thought to be seen by Beijing as more sympathetic to its interests than others in Trump’s orbit.

Mr Han said US firms were welcome in China during the sit-down in Washington with Mr Musk. Read more at straitstimes.com.

BEIJING: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with tech tycoon Elon Musk and urged US firms to "seize the opportunity" to deepen economic ties with China, Beijing's state media said on Monday (Jan 20).

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 ...

It is now looking like Chinese Premier Xi Jinping's troubles and concerns surrounding the second Donald Trump administration will be taking a backseat, as the first day of the rein did not see much hostility towards the South Asian country from Trump's end.

How Donald Trump's presidential inauguration unfolded as he was sworn in as the 47th President to succeed Joe Biden.