Xi Jinping Likely To Decline Trump’s Inauguration Invitation Amid Tensions

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is expected to decline President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his Jan. 20 inauguration, according to experts, citing risks and strained US-China relations. Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the invitation on Thursday, but analysts doubt Xi will make the trip.

Danny Russel, a former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, emphasized the diplomatic and symbolic risks for Xi. “Can you imagine Xi Jinping sitting outdoors in Washington, surrounded by hawkish members of Congress, as Trump delivers his inaugural address?” Russel said.

Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, echoed these concerns, noting there is no protocol or precedent for a Chinese leader to attend a U.S. presidential inauguration. Sun added that Beijing would see the move as risky, particularly given Trump’s recent rhetoric on tariffs and Taiwan.

Trump’s history with China has been fraught. In his first term, he initiated a trade war after initially engaging diplomatically. His return to the White House is expected to escalate tensions, especially with his appointments of known China hawks, such as Sen. Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz as national security adviser.

Beijing has warned against crossing its “red line” on Taiwan, a sensitive issue for the Chinese government. Taiwan’s attendance at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration caused significant backlash from Beijing. Experts believe similar diplomatic complications would make Xi’s attendance unlikely.

While Xi is unlikely to attend, experts predict Trump will prioritize an in-person meeting with the Chinese leader early in his term. Trump’s preference for face-to-face diplomacy could offer Beijing an opportunity to negotiate directly, though analysts warn that any goodwill gestures will not preclude Trump from implementing tough policies on trade and security.