U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The invitation, extended shortly after Trump’s November 5 election victory, remains unconfirmed, according to CBS News.
Trump, in an interview with NBC News last Friday, stated he “got along very well” with Xi and revealed that they had communicated as recently as this week. Despite this outreach, the president-elect has maintained a tough stance on China, particularly regarding the trafficking of fentanyl.
Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing takes significant action to curb the flow of the highly addictive narcotic into the United States. On the campaign trail, he also floated the possibility of tariffs exceeding 60 percent on Chinese imports, escalating concerns of a potential trade conflict between the two global powers.
China’s state media has warned that such measures could spark a destructive trade war, harming both economies.
In a move signaling a hardline approach to U.S.-China relations, Trump has appointed several outspoken critics of Beijing to prominent positions in his incoming administration. Notably, Senator Marco Rubio has been tapped as Secretary of State, a role pivotal in shaping foreign policy with China.
As January 20 approaches, global attention remains on whether Xi Jinping will accept the invitation and how this will impact the already strained U.S.-China relationship.
