US President-elect Donald Trump has extended invitations to Chinese President Xi Jinping and other foreign leaders to attend his inauguration in January in Washington, according to a Trump transition spokesperson. However, experts believe Xi is unlikely to accept the invitation.
Karoline Leavitt, speaking to Fox News, said the responses from the invited leaders were "to be determined." She did not specify which other world leaders were invited. Leavitt noted that this move reflects Trump's approach to fostering open dialogue with leaders of both allies and adversaries.
Attending a US presidential inauguration is highly unusual for a Chinese leader, especially given the geopolitical rivalry between the two nations. Scott Kennedy, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described the invitation as "diplomatic theatre."
During an interview with CNBC at the New York Stock Exchange, Trump mentioned ongoing discussions with President Xi and other world leaders, expressing optimism about future relations despite tensions over COVID-19 and trade issues.
The Kremlin, meanwhile, stated it had not received an invitation to the inauguration. The offer to Xi was reportedly made in early November, shortly after the US presidential election. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Trump, is reportedly still considering his attendance.
Trump has appointed several China hawks to key positions in his administration, including Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state. He has also threatened additional tariffs on Chinese goods unless Beijing takes stronger action against fentanyl trafficking.
In response to Trump's tariff threats, Chinese state media warned of the potential for a mutually destructive trade war. At a US-China Business Council event, Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng read a letter from Xi, emphasizing Beijing's commitment to dialogue and cooperation.
Some experts suggest China might send a lower-ranking official to the inauguration, but it would likely demand that Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, not be included in the event. Trump's invitation to Xi has raised concerns in Taiwan, where there is both hope for a tougher stance on China and anxiety over Trump's comments regarding Taiwan's defense payments to the US.
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