In the lead-up to the US presidential inauguration scheduled for January, significant anticipations regarding attendance have sparked discussions across political spheres. One of the most notable aspects is the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is not expected to attend despite an invitation extended by the newly elected US President, Donald Trump. This information has been drawn from insights provided by sources familiar with the inauguration planning, and has been further detailed by various media outlets, including CBS News, which highlighted the unusual nature of such an invitation as foreign leaders historically avoid this event.
The inauguration ceremony on January 20 will see representation from the Chinese diplomatic community, specifically China’s ambassador to the US, who is expected to attend the event alongside other officials from Beijing. This act of sending official representation is typical, although it remains a departure from the precedent of foreign leaders participating directly in the swearing-in of a US president. Information regarding the invitation was first reported by CBS, pointing out the uniqueness of the situation whereby no foreign leader has set a precedent of attending a US presidential inauguration.
Press spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described Trump’s outreach to Xi as a significant attempt to foster open dialogues across political boundaries, including with nations that the US may not classify as allies. This notion of engagement complements President Trump’s administration’s overall strategy to redefine relationships with global leaders, emphasizing both adversaries and competitors.
The context surrounding Trump and Xi’s relationship is multifaceted. While Trump has espoused praises for Xi, recognizing his control over a vast population, he has also taken a hard stance on China, threatening to elevate tariffs on Chinese goods as part of his economic policy. Such a duality illustrates the complexities of international relations in the current geopolitical climate.
Trump’s views were echoed during a podcast interview with Joe Rogan, where he spoke candidly about Xi’s leadership style, calling him a “brilliant guy” amidst criticism for both human rights issues and authoritarian practices. This acknowledgment also coincides with the selection of key individuals for Trump’s cabinet like Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, both of whom harbor significant critiques against the Chinese government. Rubio, in particular, faced sanctions from China and was reportedly banned from entering the country as a consequence of his harsh stance.
Waltz has also voiced concerns regarding China, urging the prioritization of efforts to mitigate global conflicts that distract from addressing the perceived threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Recent intelligence reports suggested that China was involved in a significant cyber breach affecting major US telecommunications companies, raising alarms about national security and the safeguarding of American citizen data.
In the wake of his re-election, Trump has continued to engage with numerous global leaders including notable counterparts such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who extended an invitation to Trump for the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Despite invitations being extended to other foreign dignitaries for the inauguration, specifics have not been disclosed, although precedents suggest that such participation is uncommon. The US State Department’s records pinpoint that since 1874, no direct attendance by foreign leaders in the inauguration has been recorded.
As these developments unfold, it becomes increasingly evident that the geopolitical landscape is evolving, with personal relations between leaders serving as a crucial aspect of diplomacy. The BBC, along with various news outlets, has reached out to both Chinese officials and the Trump presidential transition team for their comments and clarifications on these matters.
Thus, the upcoming inauguration encapsulates not only domestic political transitions but also highlights the intricacies of international relations in a landscape shaped by past affections and tensions.
