US V-P-elect J.D. Vance discusses fentanyl, trade with Chinese counterpart ahead of inauguration
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US VP-elect JD Vance and Chinese VP Han Zheng discussed an array of topics including fentanyl and balancing trade.
PHOTO: REUTERS, EPA-EFE
WASHINGTON - US Vice-President-elect J.D. Vance met Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng on Jan 19, one day before he and President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office.
Mr Vance and Mr Han discussed an array of topics including fentanyl, balancing trade and regional stability, the Trump-Vance transition team said in a statement.
Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the inauguration after winning last year's presidential election. Mr Xi has sent Mr Han in his place.
Mr Vance's meeting with Mr Han follows a recent phone call between Trump and Mr Xi. During the call, the two leaders discussed issues including TikTok, trade and Taiwan.
It was the first known phone call between the pair since Trump's election in November.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Jan 18 that Trump has told advisers he wants to travel to China after he takes office.
If the trip happens, it would mark his second visit to China as president. Trump travelled to Beijing in 2017 during a trip to Asia, where he visited several other countries. REUTERS
