The anticipation surrounding Trump's inauguration raises questions about foreign relations and the unique nature of such events, particularly with an adversarial country like China.
Xi Jinping Likely to Skip Trump Inauguration Despite Invitation
Xi Jinping Likely to Skip Trump Inauguration Despite Invitation
Chinese President Xi Jinping is not expected to attend the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump, despite receiving an invitation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly unlikely to attend the Inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in January, even though he received an invitation to the event. This comes from sources familiar with the planning who spoke to CBS News. While Trump's invitation to foreign leaders is seen as an attempt to foster open dialogue, it remains a historical anomaly as no foreign head of state has attended a U.S. presidential inauguration before.
Trump's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that inviting leaders from both allied and competitive countries reflects an open channel for discussions. Trump's complicated relationship with Xi is well-documented, as he has both praised and criticized the Chinese leader. Notably, Trump has openly vowed to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese imports once in office, signaling a tougher stance on trade.
Despite Xi's absence, the Chinese ambassador to the United States is expected to be present, along with other officials from Beijing. Recent tensions have arisen as high-ranking officials within Trump's cabinet, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, have been fierce critics of the Chinese government, and sanctions have been placed on Rubio by China.
Moreover, allegations of state-sponsored hacking linked to China targeting major U.S. telecommunications firms have fueled animosity between the two nations. This context complicates the invitation lively debate about diplomacy and international relations in the modern era.
Trump's engagement with other world leaders since his election, including meetings with leaders from Canada, Argentina, and France, further adds to the conversation about U.S. foreign relations and the importance of such diplomatic gestures. Despite foreign diplomats and ambassadors typically attending the inauguration, Xi's nonattendance signifies ongoing tensions between the United States and China.
The inauguration will be held on January 20 in Washington, D.C., and other foreign leaders have also reportedly received invitations, though specifics on these individuals have not been disclosed.
Trump's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that inviting leaders from both allied and competitive countries reflects an open channel for discussions. Trump's complicated relationship with Xi is well-documented, as he has both praised and criticized the Chinese leader. Notably, Trump has openly vowed to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese imports once in office, signaling a tougher stance on trade.
Despite Xi's absence, the Chinese ambassador to the United States is expected to be present, along with other officials from Beijing. Recent tensions have arisen as high-ranking officials within Trump's cabinet, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, have been fierce critics of the Chinese government, and sanctions have been placed on Rubio by China.
Moreover, allegations of state-sponsored hacking linked to China targeting major U.S. telecommunications firms have fueled animosity between the two nations. This context complicates the invitation lively debate about diplomacy and international relations in the modern era.
Trump's engagement with other world leaders since his election, including meetings with leaders from Canada, Argentina, and France, further adds to the conversation about U.S. foreign relations and the importance of such diplomatic gestures. Despite foreign diplomats and ambassadors typically attending the inauguration, Xi's nonattendance signifies ongoing tensions between the United States and China.
The inauguration will be held on January 20 in Washington, D.C., and other foreign leaders have also reportedly received invitations, though specifics on these individuals have not been disclosed.
