Trump Extends Olive Branch to Xi Jinping, Inviting Him to Inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his upcoming inauguration ceremony in January, Al Jazeera reports.

The invitation comes despite a history of strained relations and aggressive rhetoric between the two leaders.

Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming press secretary, confirmed the invitation on Fox News Thursday, framing it as an attempt to foster improved dialogue between the US and China.

“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 our competitors, too,” Leavitt said.

Experts note that a Chinese leader’s attendance at a US presidential inauguration would be unprecedented, given the long-standing tensions between the two nations. While Xi Jinping’s acceptance remains uncertain – the Chinese Foreign Ministry offered no immediate comment – the symbolic weight of such an appearance would be considerable.

Trump’s first term (2017-2021) was marked by a significant trade war with China, involving the imposition of tariffs on each other’s imports. The UN Conference on Trade and Development warned at the time that this trade war was harming both economies, with the costs often passed on to consumers.

Further friction arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Trump referring to the virus as the “China virus” and demanding accountability from Beijing. China, in turn, condemned his remarks as stigmatizing and baseless.

A second Trump term could potentially reignite tensions. Trump has already vowed to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless action is taken to curb fentanyl trafficking. His incoming administration includes several foreign policy hawks, such as Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, who has openly criticized China’s economic practices.

While the Biden administration has largely maintained some of Trump’s tariffs and implemented measures targeting China’s tech sector, recent developments suggest a potential shift towards greater cooperation. A delegation of senior Treasury officils will travel to China, and further discussions are planned at the G20 summit in South Africa

Trump himself has signaled a willingness to mend fences, saying at the New York Stock Exchange that his administration would engage in “a lot of talks with China,” acknowledging past disagreements while expressing hope for future collaboration.