President-elect Donald Trump has officially invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 20, 2025. This invitation, confirmed by Trump’s spokesperson Karoline Leavitt during an appearance on Fox News, is seen as a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at fostering dialogue with global leaders, including those from rival nations.
Leavitt emphasized that this move reflects Trump’s commitment to open communication with both allies and adversaries, a strategy he has maintained since his first term. However, it remains uncertain whether Xi will accept the invitation, given the historically tense relations between the U.S. and China, particularly in light of Trump’s previous aggressive trade policies and tariff threats against Beijing.
Experts suggest that Xi may view the invitation as a risky proposition, and there is skepticism regarding his attendance. While the Chinese Embassy in Washington has not commented on the matter, it is anticipated that lower-level officials from China may attend in place of Xi.
This unprecedented invitation highlights the complexities of U.S.-China relations as Trump prepares for his return to the presidency, with many eyes on how this diplomatic outreach will influence future interactions between the two nations.
