Official announcements from the U.S. government or trade policy updates

Trump Invites Xi Jinping to Inauguration Amid Tariff Threats, Signals Open Dialogue

Dec 12, 2024, 05:39 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, in Washington D.C. This move, confirmed by Trump's incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt, is seen as an attempt to foster open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not only allies but also adversaries and competitors. Despite Trump's previous threats to impose massive tariffs on Chinese goods, the invitation is perceived as an olive branch. It remains unclear whether Xi will accept the invitation. Trump's decision to invite foreign leaders, including Xi, breaks from tradition, as foreign dignitaries typically do not attend U.S. presidential inaugurations. The invitation has sparked discussions on its implications for U.S.-China relations and Trump's foreign policy approach.