Xi Jinping to Send Envoy to Trump's Inauguration on January 20 Amid China Hawk Appointments

Jan 10, 2025, 12:06 AM

Chinese President Xi Jinping will send a high-level envoy to attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, according to the Financial Times. Beijing has informed Trump's transition team that a senior official will represent Xi at the ceremony, as part of an effort to reduce friction between the two nations at the onset of the new U.S. administration. Potential envoys include Vice President Han Zheng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, or Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi. This move comes as Beijing anticipates possible escalations in trade tensions with the incoming U.S. administration, which has appointed several China hawks to key national security positions.