Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly turned down President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Trump’s outreach to Xi was part of an effort to establish dialogue with not only allied nations but also with competitors and adversaries.
While Xi himself will not attend, China’s ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, and other Chinese officials are expected to be present, according to CBS reports. If Xi had accepted, it would have been an unprecedented move, as no foreign head of state has ever attended a U.S. presidential inauguration.
Trump’s invitations remain open to other world leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. These invitations signal Trump’s intention to forge relationships with prominent global figures known for their populist and nationalist stances.
Xi’s decision comes shortly after he expressed a desire to improve U.S.-China relations. In a message to the U.S.-China Business Council, Xi emphasized the need for the two nations to “choose dialogue over confrontation” and “win-win cooperation over a zero-sum game.”
Despite taking a firm economic stance against China during his campaigns, including proposing steep tariffs, Trump has frequently highlighted his personal rapport with Xi. In a recent interview with CNBC, Trump stated, “We have a good relationship with China. I have a good relationship.”
The Trump team has yet to comment on Xi’s rejection of the invitation. Nonetheless, the Chinese president’s decision underscores the ongoing complexities of U.S.-China relations as Trump prepares for his return to the White House.
