China says it will send its vice president to Trump's inauguration

China is sending Vice President Han Zheng to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, Chinese state media reported, , marking the first time a senior Chinese leader will have attended a new U.S. president’s swearing-in.

HONG KONG — China is sending Vice President Han Zheng to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, Chinese state media reported Friday, the first time a senior Chinese leader will have attended a new U.S. president’s swearing-in.

“We are willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with the new U.S. government, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and find a way for China and the U.S. to get along correctly,” the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement announcing the trip by Han, who sometimes fills in for President Xi Jinping in ceremonial roles.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, confirmed that Han is planning to attend as "President Xi Jinping's special representative" and said the invitation was extended by "the U.S. side."

Liu's statement largely echoed the comments from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, saying the country hopes to achieve "win-win cooperation in viewing and growing its relationship with the United States."

A representative for the Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-vice-president-han-zheng-trump-inauguration-rcna188083

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