Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly declined an invitation to personally attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Instead, Xi is expected to send a high-ranking official to represent him, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Sources suggest the representative may be Chinese Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi, though Trump’s advisers are said to prefer Xi’s close ally Cai Qi for the role. The decision on who will attend is being closely watched, as it may set the tone for U.S.-China relations under the new administration.
“The Chinese need to send the appropriate level of official to start the relationship off on the right foot,” an unnamed source told the Times. Sending a lower-ranking official could signal a lack of seriousness in engaging with the incoming Trump administration.
Some experts believe Xi’s absence reflects concerns over Trump’s unpredictability. Dennis Wilder, a former top White House adviser on China, noted that Xi may want to avoid domestic backlash or public embarrassment if the visit does not yield favorable outcomes. “By sending a special envoy of significant stature, Xi can show goodwill while protecting himself from potential risks,” Wilder explained.
Trump’s invitation to Xi and other world leaders has been described as a gesture of diplomacy, reflecting his intent to engage openly with not only U.S. allies but also competitors and adversaries. Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the invitations underscore Trump’s commitment to fostering dialogue on the global stage.
The decision on who represents China at the inauguration could offer early insights into the direction of U.S.-China relations under President Trump, a relationship that will likely be pivotal in shaping global geopolitics in the years ahead.
