Chinese leader Xi Jinping is unlikely to accept President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to his Jan. 20 inauguration, according to experts. Trump’s press secretary confirmed the invitation, but analysts argue that Xi would avoid the diplomatic and symbolic risks involved.
Danny Russel, a former U.S. State Department official, dismissed the idea of Xi attending. “It’s hard to imagine Xi sitting among China hawks, watching Trump deliver his address,” Russel said, pointing to the potential embarrassment for Beijing.
Yun Sun, a Washington-based China expert, added that Beijing avoids situations without clear protocol or precedent. “Attending a U.S. inauguration doesn’t align with China’s diplomatic playbook,” she explained, highlighting Taiwan as another complicating factor.
Trump’s Cabinet appointments signal an aggressive stance toward China, with Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mike Waltz taking leading roles. Beijing has warned of retaliation should the U.S. impose harsh tariffs or take actions it deems provocative, such as increasing support for Taiwan.
Taiwan’s presence at Biden’s 2021 inauguration remains a contentious issue for Beijing, and experts suggest Xi would not risk attending an event where similar tensions could arise. “China prioritizes its leader’s dignity and security,” Russel said.
While Xi’s attendance is improbable, analysts expect Trump to pursue a meeting with the Chinese leader early in his term. The outcome of such talks will likely define the trajectory of U.S.-China relations in the coming years.
