Reports suggest that Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to accept an invitation to attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The invitation, described as highly unusual, was announced shortly after Trump hinted at his plans during a speech at the New York Stock Exchange. Experts have speculated that such an appearance could conflict with Xi’s political interests and China’s broader diplomatic strategies.
During his remarks, Trump reportedly mentioned that he was considering inviting notable figures to his inauguration on January 20, 2025. He acknowledged that the idea might be perceived as unconventional or even risky but added that he preferred to take chances in certain situations. Shortly after, Trump’s incoming press secretary confirmed that an invitation had indeed been extended to Xi, marking a significant break from precedent.
Historically, no foreign leader has ever attended the inauguration of a U.S. president. Analysts highlighted that inaugurations are traditionally domestic events focused on celebrating the transfer of power within the United States, making the invitation to Xi highly unusual.
Experts on U.S.-China relations have largely agreed that it is improbable for Xi to accept the invitation. Observers suggested that such a move could undermine Xi’s image, reducing him to a symbolic attendee at an event celebrating a foreign leader’s success. Danny Russel, an expert on international security, reportedly commented that Xi was unlikely to allow himself to be portrayed as a mere guest at Trump’s inauguration, particularly given the complex dynamics between the two nations.
Similarly, Yun Sun, a prominent China policy analyst, was quoted as saying that attending the inauguration would not align with Xi’s strategic interests. She reportedly noted that the Chinese leadership would likely view the risks of such a visit as outweighing any potential diplomatic benefits.
The strained relationship between the United States and China under Trump’s leadership has added further complexity to the situation. During his first presidency, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on various Chinese goods, signaling a hardline approach to trade relations. More recently, he has promised to reintroduce and even escalate tariffs unless China takes action to curb the flow of drugs, including fentanyl precursors, into the U.S.
In late November, after his re-election, Trump reportedly vowed to increase existing tariffs by 10% if China failed to address the issue. The Chinese government has strongly denied allegations of facilitating drug exports, with a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy asserting that such claims were baseless and did not reflect reality.
Adding to the tension, Trump has nominated two known critics of China, Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, for key positions in his administration. Rubio has been tapped for secretary of state, while Waltz is expected to serve as national security adviser. Both officials have expressed hawkish views on China, signaling that Trump’s second term may involve an even tougher stance on U.S.-China relations.
Experts have pointed out that the optics of Xi attending Trump’s inauguration could be problematic for the Chinese leader. Accepting the invitation might suggest a shift in power dynamics, with Xi appearing subordinate to the U.S. president. Analysts emphasized that China is unlikely to risk any gesture that could be perceived as compromising its political stature or national pride.
Observers have also noted that China’s diplomatic strategies under Xi have increasingly focused on projecting strength and independence on the global stage. Participating in an event centered on a foreign leader’s political triumph would likely run counter to these objectives.
The invitation and its rejection, whether formal or implicit, highlight the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations. While Trump’s overture may have been intended to signal openness to dialogue, it also underscores the ongoing competition and mistrust between the two nations. Analysts have suggested that the invitation might have been a calculated move by Trump to test China’s diplomatic posture while reinforcing his own narrative of challenging adversarial powers.
, while the invitation to Xi Jinping represents an unprecedented gesture, experts agree that the likelihood of his attendance is minimal. The broader context of strained relations, coupled with the symbolic implications of such a visit, makes it clear why Xi is expected to decline. This episode serves as yet another example of the complexities underpinning U.S.-China relations, as both nations navigate a delicate balance between confrontation and cooperation.
