Xi Jinping to Send High-Level Envoy to Trump's Inauguration on January 20

Jan 9, 2025, 10:49 PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping will send a high-level envoy to attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, according to the Financial Times. This move is seen as an effort to reduce friction between China and the United States at the start of the new administration. Beijing has communicated to Trump's transition team that a senior official will represent Xi at the ceremony. Potential candidates for the envoy role include Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The decision to send an envoy rather than Xi himself is interpreted as a strategic choice to manage the unpredictability of Trump while still signaling a desire to start the relationship on a positive note.