Xi Jinping is not anticipated to attend Trump's inauguration

Xi Jinping Unlikely to Attend Trump Inauguration

习近平预计不会参加特朗普的就职典礼。

Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly not expected to attend the US presidential inauguration in January 2024. This decision comes despite an invitation extended to him by outgoing US President Donald Trump. Sources familiar with the planning indicate that Xi's absence aligns with longstanding protocol, as foreign leaders have historically not participated in the swearing-in ceremonies of American presidents.

China's Ambassador to Represent the Country

According to insiders, China will likely be represented at the event by its ambassador to the United States. The ambassador may also be accompanied by a delegation of officials from Beijing. This level of representation is considered customary and in line with diplomatic practices. The invitation to Xi Jinping has been described as an unusual gesture, given that records show no foreign head of state has ever attended a US presidential inauguration. The symbolic nature of this invitation underscores Trump's unique approach to international relations.

Trump’s Efforts for Open Dialogue

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Donald Trump, addressed the significance of the invitation, emphasizing that it reflects the president's commitment to fostering open communication. "This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just allies but also adversaries and competitors," she stated. The gesture is seen as part of Trump's broader strategy to maintain a direct line of communication with global leaders, even those from rival nations, to address key geopolitical issues.

Trump’s Mixed Views on Xi Jinping

Donald Trump has often expressed a combination of admiration and criticism toward Chinese President Xi Jinping. On one hand, Trump has acknowledged Xi's leadership skills, referring to him as a "brilliant guy" in an October interview. He praised Xi’s ability to govern a vast population of 1.4 billion people. However, Trump has also been sharply critical of China’s trade practices and policies. He has promised to impose higher tariffs on Chinese goods after taking office, signaling a tough stance on economic relations with Beijing.

Tensions with Trump’s Cabinet Picks

Some of Trump’s key cabinet nominees hold strong opinions about China, which could influence future US-China relations. For instance, Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio is an outspoken critic of the Chinese government. Rubio has been sanctioned by Beijing, and he is prohibited from entering China. Similarly, national security adviser nominee Mike Waltz has urged the US to shift its focus toward countering what he calls the "greater threat" posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These appointments suggest that Trump’s administration may adopt a more confrontational approach toward China.

Cybersecurity Concerns Linked to China

Recent developments have added to tensions between the US and China. American intelligence agencies have accused China of being behind a significant cyberattack targeting eight major US telecommunications companies. According to reports, the breach may have exposed sensitive data on millions of Americans. The White House has described the attack as a serious threat to national security, further straining bilateral relations.

Trump’s Engagement with Foreign Leaders

Since winning re-election, Donald Trump has been actively meeting with international leaders. Among those he has engaged with are Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron has invited Trump to attend the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing the president's continued involvement in global affairs. These meetings highlight Trump’s focus on strengthening relationships with both traditional allies and emerging leader.

Historical Context: Foreign Leaders at US Inaugurations

While it is common for diplomats and ambassadors to attend the inauguration of a US president, historical records dating back to 1874 indicate that no foreign head of state has ever participated in the event. This tradition reflects the domestic nature of the ceremony, which focuses on the peaceful transfer of power within the United States. Despite this, Trump’s team has confirmed that invitations have been extended to other foreign leaders for the inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2024, in Washington, DC. However, the names of these leaders have not been disclosed.

This unprecedented move demonstrates Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy and his willingness to challenge norms. Whether these invitations will lead to increased foreign engagement or stir controversy remains to be seen.

My Analysis:

Donald Trump’s decision to invite Chinese President Xi Jinping and other foreign leaders to his inauguration marks an unconventional move in US diplomatic history. While the gesture could be interpreted as an attempt to foster dialogue and bridge gaps with global powers, including adversaries, it raises several key points for analysis:

1. Unprecedented Gesture:

The invitation to Xi Jinping is unusual, as no foreign leader has ever attended a US presidential inauguration. This suggests Trump's willingness to break traditional protocols to create opportunities for dialogue, reflecting his unorthodox leadership style.

2. Diplomatic Implications:

While inviting Xi Jinping could be seen as a move to thaw strained relations, it may also backfire by drawing criticism domestically and internationally. Critics may view this as compromising US traditions or appearing conciliatory toward a rival power.

3. Mixed Relationship with China:

Trump’s relationship with Xi Jinping and China has been complex. His administration has balanced occasional praise for Xi's leadership with strong criticism of China’s trade practices, cybersecurity activities, and political system. The invitation, therefore, highlights a pragmatic but cautious approach to managing US-China ties.

4. Significance of Cabinet Picks:

The presence of cabinet nominees like Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, who are vocal critics of the Chinese government, signals a potentially hardline stance against China. This could counterbalance the symbolic gesture of inviting Xi Jinping, ensuring that Trump’s administration projects strength while seeking dialogue.

5. Broader Context:

The move comes amid escalating tensions over trade, cybersecurity breaches, and global political rivalries. Inviting Xi Jinping, even if he does not attend, may serve to emphasize Trump’s openness to dialogue without compromising the US’s strong position on critical issues.

Conclusion

Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping, while unlikely to be accepted, sends a clear message of his willingness to engage even with rival nations on the global stage. The gesture underscores his unpredictable approach to diplomacy, which blends direct engagement with firm criticism. However, given the historical context and the potential domestic backlash, the move risks being seen as overly ambitious or politically risky.

Ultimately, the decision reflects Trump’s broader strategy: projecting an image of strength through openness, fostering unconventional dialogue, and positioning the US as a dominant but flexible global leader. Whether this approach leads to improved relations with China or further tensions will depend on the policies implemented by his administration and the reception of these overtures by Beijing.