Despite an open invitation from Donald Trump for Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration, sources suggest the Chinese President will not be attending, highlighting an unusual diplomatic gesture.
Xi Jinping Likely to Skip Trump's Inauguration Despite Invitation
Xi Jinping Likely to Skip Trump's Inauguration Despite Invitation
Chinese President Xi Jinping isn't expected to be present at the upcoming presidential inauguration in January, while Beijing's ambassador will attend.
Empty line
Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly unlikely to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump scheduled for January, despite having received an invitation from the incoming President. According to two sources familiar with the situation, China's ambassador to the U.S. will likely represent Beijing at the event, alongside other unidentified officials. This development follows an unusual precedent, as records suggest no foreign leaders have participated in a U.S. presidential inauguration historically.
Trump's spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, characterized the invitation as a means of fostering dialogue with both allies and adversaries. Despite occasionally praising Xi, Trump has remained critical of China, vowing to impose significant tariffs on Chinese imports upcoming in his administration. During a podcast in October, Trump acknowledged Xi's authoritative grip over a vast population, referring to him as a "brilliant guy," albeit amid stark criticisms of the Chinese government.
Some of Trump's proposed cabinet appointees, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz, have taken a hardline stance against China. Rubio, in particular, has faced sanctions from China and was banned from entering the nation, reflective of the tense diplomatic relations.
Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, U.S. intelligence agencies recently implicated China in a significant hacking incident involving major U.S. telecom companies, potentially compromising the data of millions of American citizens.
Following his re-election, Trump has engaged with several foreign leaders, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, who has extended invitations for events in Paris.
While it is common for diplomats and ambassadors to attend a president's inauguration, no foreign leader has officially attended this ceremony since records were maintained in 1874. Leavitt noted that other international leaders had also received invites to the January 20 event in Washington, D.C., though specifics have not been disclosed. Efforts to obtain comments from Chinese officials and the Trump transition team are ongoing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly unlikely to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump scheduled for January, despite having received an invitation from the incoming President. According to two sources familiar with the situation, China's ambassador to the U.S. will likely represent Beijing at the event, alongside other unidentified officials. This development follows an unusual precedent, as records suggest no foreign leaders have participated in a U.S. presidential inauguration historically.
Trump's spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, characterized the invitation as a means of fostering dialogue with both allies and adversaries. Despite occasionally praising Xi, Trump has remained critical of China, vowing to impose significant tariffs on Chinese imports upcoming in his administration. During a podcast in October, Trump acknowledged Xi's authoritative grip over a vast population, referring to him as a "brilliant guy," albeit amid stark criticisms of the Chinese government.
Some of Trump's proposed cabinet appointees, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz, have taken a hardline stance against China. Rubio, in particular, has faced sanctions from China and was banned from entering the nation, reflective of the tense diplomatic relations.
Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, U.S. intelligence agencies recently implicated China in a significant hacking incident involving major U.S. telecom companies, potentially compromising the data of millions of American citizens.
Following his re-election, Trump has engaged with several foreign leaders, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, who has extended invitations for events in Paris.
While it is common for diplomats and ambassadors to attend a president's inauguration, no foreign leader has officially attended this ceremony since records were maintained in 1874. Leavitt noted that other international leaders had also received invites to the January 20 event in Washington, D.C., though specifics have not been disclosed. Efforts to obtain comments from Chinese officials and the Trump transition team are ongoing.
