President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration next month. If Xi accepts, it would mark the first time in U.S. history that a foreign leader has attended a presidential swearing-in ceremony. This unprecedented invitation has sparked debate about its significance, with some seeing it as a bold attempt at diplomacy and others questioning its timing and intent.
An Unprecedented Invitation
Trump’s invitation to Xi was reportedly made shortly after his election victory in November. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, described the invitation as emblematic of Trump’s approach to diplomacy—engaging not just allies but adversaries and competitors. “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and competitors too,” she said during an appearance on Fox News.
While it is customary for ambassadors and diplomats to attend presidential inaugurations, no foreign leader has ever been present at such an event. Xi’s acceptance, if it occurs, would be historic and could potentially signal a thawing of tensions between the two global superpowers. However, Beijing has yet to confirm whether Xi will attend. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington has not commented on the matter.
Adding to the intrigue, Trump’s team is also reportedly inviting other world leaders, including Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has a close relationship with Trump. Orbán, known for his far-right policies, is still considering the invitation, according to sources familiar with his plans.
A Complicated Relationship
The invitation to Xi comes at a time of heightened tension and complexity in U.S.-China relations. Trump has been a vocal critic of China’s trade practices, often accusing Beijing of exploiting the global trade system to America’s detriment. He has promised to impose a 10% tariff on all Chinese goods on his first day back in office. This builds on the tariffs he implemented during his first term, which led to substantial grief to China’s economy.
At the same time, the outgoing Biden administration has had its own battles with China, including disputes over export controls and access to semiconductor technology. However, there have been notable efforts to reduce friction, such as agreements on artificial intelligence in nuclear weaponry and collaborative efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking. Lines of communication between U.S. and Chinese military officials were restored in late 2023 after a year-long stalemate.
Trump’s personal relationship with Xi adds another layer of complexity. The two leaders have met before, including during a visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in 2017. Trump has often highlighted his rapport with Xi as a cornerstone of his diplomatic strategy, even as he adopts an increasingly tough stance on China’s economic policies.
Gingrich Weighs In
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has described the invitation as a strategic and audacious move. Speaking on Fox News, Gingrich speculated about the potential global implications of Xi attending the inauguration. “I think there’s a 50/50 chance that Xi Jinping is going to show up, which you have to admit, in terms of sending a signal to the planet, would be pretty unbelievable,” Gingrich said.
Gingrich also praised Trump’s boldness, noting his tendency to break norms in pursuit of diplomatic momentum. “Trump believes in constant offense, constant momentum,” he remarked. “Extending this invitation fits that pattern.” Gingrich characterized the move as emblematic of Trump’s unconventional but effective approach to global leadership.
Will Xi Accept?
The likelihood of Xi accepting the invitation remains unclear. On one hand, attending the inauguration could symbolize a willingness to engage constructively with Trump’s administration despite its adversarial rhetoric. On the other hand, Xi risks domestic and international backlash for appearing conciliatory during a time of increasing geopolitical competition.
Experts suggest that Beijing’s decision will hinge on broader strategic considerations. If Xi accepts, it could pave the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation on contentious issues like trade and technology. However, declining the invitation might serve as a statement of China’s resolve to stand firm against U.S. pressure.
The Broader Signal to the World
Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping sends a multifaceted signal to both domestic and international audiences. By reaching out to a leader of a rival superpower, Trump is emphasizing his commitment to direct engagement with adversaries, a hallmark of his diplomatic style. This move underscores his belief that personal relationships between leaders can pave the way for significant breakthroughs, even amid contentious circumstances like trade wars and geopolitical disputes.
Domestically, it signals a willingness to challenge conventional norms, showcasing Trump as a leader unafraid to break with tradition to achieve strategic goals. Internationally, the invitation serves as a message of openness to dialogue, even with countries the U.S. views as competitors. As Newt Gingrich remarked, if Xi were to attend, it would be a “signal to the planet,” suggesting that Trump’s administration intends to assert its influence and maintain global prominence through bold and unconventional diplomatic gestures.
ACZ Editor: Perhaps in Xi’s case this is, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” He is also showing that, unlike Biden, Hillary and Obama, Trump is not afraid of Xi and has no problem talking to him eye to eye, and then (figuratively) punching him out with trade sanctions. Trump’s ‘bull in a china shop’ method is very effective in getting people to the negotiating table.
