In a surprising diplomatic twist, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to skip the US presidential inauguration despite having received an invitation from Donald Trump. Sources familiar with the preparations, speaking on the condition of anonymity, suggested that instead, China's ambassador to the US is set to represent Beijing at the event. The inauguration is scheduled for January 20 in Washington, DC.
Xi Jinping Unlikely to Attend Trump's Inauguration, Diplomats Expected Instead
Xi Jinping Unlikely to Attend Trump's Inauguration, Diplomats Expected Instead
Despite an invitation, Chinese President Xi Jinping is not anticipated to participate in Donald Trump’s inauguration, as confirmed by multiple sources. China's ambassador to the US will likely attend, marking a unique diplomatic moment amid tensions between the two nations.
This unprecedented invitation, highlighting Trump's willingness to engage with both allies and adversaries alike, has raised eyebrows, as historically, no foreign leaders have attended US presidential inaugurations. Trump's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that the invitation represents Trump’s commitment to fostering dialogue with global leaders, regardless of their political affiliations.
While Donald Trump has expressed mixed sentiments towards Xi — at times praising his leadership but also promising to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports — there is a notable contrast in Trump’s cabinet appointments. Several advisors, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz, are known critics of the Chinese regime. Rubio’s past sanctions by the Chinese government underscore the complexities of US-China relations.
In the backdrop of recent intelligence reports implicating China in cyber-attacks on US telecommunications firms, the geopolitical climate seems fragile. As Trump navigates his foreign affairs, recent conversations with leaders from Canada, Argentina, and France signal a broader strategy of engagement that may alter traditional diplomatic practices. However, with the inauguration soon approaching, the unprecedented absence of a Chinese leader is a notable chapter in the evolving relationship between the two powers.
The BBC has reached out for comments from both the Chinese officials and the Trump transition team, but details surrounding the other foreign invitations remain undisclosed.
While Donald Trump has expressed mixed sentiments towards Xi — at times praising his leadership but also promising to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports — there is a notable contrast in Trump’s cabinet appointments. Several advisors, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz, are known critics of the Chinese regime. Rubio’s past sanctions by the Chinese government underscore the complexities of US-China relations.
In the backdrop of recent intelligence reports implicating China in cyber-attacks on US telecommunications firms, the geopolitical climate seems fragile. As Trump navigates his foreign affairs, recent conversations with leaders from Canada, Argentina, and France signal a broader strategy of engagement that may alter traditional diplomatic practices. However, with the inauguration soon approaching, the unprecedented absence of a Chinese leader is a notable chapter in the evolving relationship between the two powers.
The BBC has reached out for comments from both the Chinese officials and the Trump transition team, but details surrounding the other foreign invitations remain undisclosed.
