State media maintained parallel coverage of Trump's inauguration preparations and Xi's leadership activities, with foreign outlets focusing on unprecedented security measures and tech industry presence at the ceremony. Morning coverage emphasized Xi chairing a CPC leadership meeting, while monitoring TikTok's restored operations in the US.
By midday, attention shifted to Taiwan businesses reconsidering mainland operations under Trump's threatened tariffs, while China signaled possible rare earth trade restrictions. The space sector showed advancement with Tiangong's oxygen generation breakthrough and lunar crater naming.
Evening coverage centered on Trump's inauguration proceedings moving indoors due to weather, while state media emphasized Han Zheng's attendance and Xi's Spring Festival greetings to non-CPC members. Hong Kong's judicial independence remained in focus as the Chief Justice defended the courts amid foreign judges' departures.