Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend US President-elect Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration but will instead send a high-level envoy, according to the Financial Times.
Beijing informed Trump’s transition team of Xi’s decision, despite Trump’s invitation to the Chinese leader. The envoy will also hold discussions with members of Trump’s team during the visit.
Potential candidates for the envoy role include Vice President Han Zheng, who frequently represents Xi at ceremonial events, or Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Some Trump advisers have suggested Cai Qi, a Politburo Standing Committee member with significant influence as Xi’s close ally.
Neither China’s Washington embassy nor Trump’s team has commented on the report.
Context of Xi’s Invitation
Trump extended the invitation to Xi last month, which experts had described as unprecedented, given the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China. They noted such a move would be more symbolic than substantive.
Trump recently remarked that he and Xi had communicated through representatives and expressed optimism about their relationship in his second term. However, his administration has signaled a tougher stance on China, appointing several China hawks, including Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
Tensions in Sino-US Relations
Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing acts to curb fentanyl trafficking. He had previously proposed tariffs exceeding 60% during his campaign.
In response, China’s foreign ministry emphasized its commitment to fostering “stable, healthy, and sustainable” economic and trade relations with the US, while acknowledging the importance of Trump’s recent remarks.