Official announcements from the US government or statements from the Trump administration

Trump Invites China's Xi to Inauguration Amid Tariff Threats; Xi Unlikely to Attend

Dec 12, 2024, 09:54 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has extended an unprecedented invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration ceremony on January 20th. The move aims to foster open dialogue with leaders who are not just allies but adversaries and competitors too. Karoline Leavitt, Trump's incoming Press Secretary, confirmed the invitation and noted that Xi has yet to RSVP. Despite the invitation, Xi Jinping is not expected to attend and is likely to send a high-level delegation instead. Senator Blumenthal commented that it's President Trump's inaugural and he's entitled to have anyone he'd like, adding that it helps for foreign leaders to see democracy in action. The invitation comes amid tensions between the two countries, as Trump threatens to impose massive tariffs on Chinese goods.