Trump's return to presidency generated multiple narrative threads in Chinese media. Morning coverage focused on his inauguration speech and immediate executive actions, including a 75-day TikTok extension that shifted from previous day's ban rhetoric. State media maintained parallel coverage of Xi's Spring Festival greetings and party discipline.
By midday, attention pivoted to Xi's video meeting with Putin, occurring hours after Trump's inauguration, while Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang spoke at Davos warning against protectionism. Hong Kong's leader characterized Trump's return as potentially positive for US-China relations.
Evening coverage highlighted China's scientific achievements, including nuclear fusion breakthroughs and space activities, while monitoring Trump's first-day executive orders withdrawing from international organizations. State outlets emphasized Han Zheng's presence at the inauguration while maintaining distance from direct commentary on US policy shifts.