In a surprising diplomatic gesture, US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration next month. According to CBS, this move could be interpreted as an attempt by Trump to engage with China amid escalating trade tensions.
Historic Implications
If President Xi accepts the invitation, it would mark the first time a Chinese leader has attended a US presidential inauguration. Historically, such events are typically attended by ambassadors, with no foreign head of state participating in over a century, according to US State Department records dating back to 1874.
Xi’s potential attendance poses political and logistical challenges, including the harsh Washington winter and the significant political risks associated with such an unprecedented move. The last inauguration in January 2021 saw President Joe Biden and guests braving freezing temperatures, a scenario that generated viral memes of bundled-up politicians, such as Senator Bernie Sanders.
Diplomatic Dynamics
Trump’s outreach to Xi comes amidst heightened tensions between the two nations. The President-elect has signaled intentions to impose sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, with a proposed 60% duty on all goods and an additional 10% penalty if Beijing fails to address the flow of fentanyl into the US.
Despite the friction, Xi has expressed a desire to maintain stability in US-China relations, congratulating Trump on his election victory. However, Xi has also emphasized “four red lines” in bilateral relations, cautioning against any actions perceived as undermining China’s sovereignty or internal stability.
Trade and Security Challenges
The strained relationship extends to economic and technological domains. Beijing recently banned exports of several high-tech and military-related materials, further escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Xi has warned against the continuation of trade and technology wars, stating that such conflicts yield “no winners.”
Adding to the diplomatic complexities, Trump has appointed several China hawks to key positions in his administration, including Representative Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser and Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Both appointees have been vocal about decoupling from China and labeling Beijing as an adversary.
A New Era of US-China Relations?
Trump’s reported invitation to Xi comes amid his efforts to engage multiple foreign leaders. Recently, Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The invitation to Xi could signal Trump’s attempt to balance hardline rhetoric with diplomatic overtures as his administration takes shape.
As of now, China’s Foreign Ministry has not commented on the invitation, and Xi’s decision remains unclear. If the Chinese leader attends, it could set the tone for a new phase in the relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
Sources By Agencies
