United States President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration ceremony in January, a move that has sparked widespread discussion in political and diplomatic circles. The invitation, confirmed by Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt, is seen as highly unusual, given the historically tense relations between the two countries.
Karoline Leavitt announced the invitation during an appearance on Fox News, framing it as a step toward fostering communication with key international leaders. “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and competitors too,” Leavitt said.
Traditionally, U.S. presidential inaugurations are domestic events, with foreign leaders rarely in attendance. The inclusion of Xi Jinping in such a ceremony would mark a departure from standard diplomatic norms, particularly as relations between the U.S. and China remain fraught with economic and political tensions.
The U.S.-China relationship has been marked by both cooperation and rivalry. During Trump’s first term as president, from 2017 to 2021, he launched a trade war with China, resulting in tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods. This economic conflict strained relations, with the United Nations Trade and Development Organization warning in 2019 that the trade war was harming both economies and increasing costs for consumers.
While Trump has often criticized China for its trade practices and other policies, the invitation to Xi could signal an effort to maintain dialogue between the two nations. However, experts believe it is unlikely that Xi Jinping will accept.
Diplomatic analysts have described the invitation as largely symbolic. Scott Kennedy, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, stated, “This is diplomatic theater, nothing more. Other heads of state, let alone Xi Jinping, haven’t attended U.S. presidential inaugurations.”
The Chinese government has not officially responded to the invitation. When asked during a briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declined to comment directly, saying, “I have nothing to share at present.”
If Xi were to accept, his attendance would carry significant symbolic weight. Some analysts argue that it could be perceived as an endorsement of a foreign leader, which might not align with Beijing’s political priorities. Danny Russel, vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, noted that such a move could create complex optics for both leaders.
The invitation comes at a time of heightened competition between the U.S. and China, spanning issues such as trade, technology, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While the likelihood of Xi’s attendance remains slim, the gesture itself reflects the ongoing balancing act in U.S.-China relations.
Some view the invitation as a strategic move by Trump to present himself as a leader willing to engage even with adversaries, while others see it as a diplomatic gesture aimed at maintaining dialogue during a period of global uncertainty.
Whether or not Xi Jinping accepts the invitation, the act of extending it underscores the importance of U.S.-China relations on the global stage. As the two nations navigate a mix of rivalry and cooperation, efforts to maintain communication, even through symbolic gestures, remain vital for addressing shared challenges and managing competition.