President-elect Trump Shocks China with Inauguration Invitation, But Will Xi Accept?
In a surprise move, President-elect Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his upcoming inauguration, sparking a flurry of speculation about the potential implications for the country’s relationship with China. The invitation is seen by some as a friendly gesture ahead of a widely expected trade war, but others are more skeptical, pointing to Trump’s campaign pledges to take a tough stance on trade with China.
The move is unprecedented, as a Chinese head of state has never attended a US inauguration in history. However, sources told CBS News that Xi is not expected to accept the invitation. Trump himself downplayed the significance of the gesture, telling CNBC, “We have a good relationship with China. I have a good relationship.”
The timing of the invitation is particularly notable, coming as the US intelligence community has revealed a massive hack of eight US telecom companies, which was attributed to Chinese hackers. The hack, dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” compromised the data of millions of Americans and targeted government-linked individuals, including Vice President-elect JD Vance.
The invitation has also been met with skepticism from some China experts, who see Trump’s overtures as a sign of weakness. “A man who is responsible for spreading COVID beyond China’s borders, for being behind the fentanyl program, which kills 70,000 Americans a year, that was not a good look for the United States,” said China expert Gordon Chang. “And it betrayed weakness.”
The relationship between the US and China has been tense in recent years, with China’s increasing military and economic might raising concerns in Washington. The Trump administration has threatened to impose tariffs on all $500 billion worth of Chinese goods, a move that could have far-reaching consequences for both countries.
Not all experts are concerned, however. Lyle Goldstein, Director of Asia Engagement at Defense Priorities, sees the invitation as a sign of Trump’s willingness to engage with China in a positive way. “Trump is a dealmaker, and I think China is eager to make deals,” he said. “The Biden approach was very ideological, very black and white. But I think there is some understanding in the Trump team that the stakes are enormous here.”
