Washington, D.C. – US President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration on January 20, 2025, according to multiple sources, including CBS News. Trump’s press secretary, Caroline Levitt, confirmed the information.
However, the Chinese leader is unlikely to make the trip, with a high-ranking official expected to attend in his place, the Financial Times reported. The options include Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The Chinese government is reportedly consulting with Trump’s transition team on the matter. The Financial Times also reported that Trump’s campaign team would like to see Cai Qi, a member of the Communist Party of China’s Politburo Standing Committee, attend the inauguration. Cai is said to wield significant power as Xi’s right-hand man, surpassing Han and Wang in influence.
The potential attendance of a high-ranking Chinese official at the inauguration would be unprecedented, as only the Chinese ambassador has previously attended a US president’s inauguration in Washington.
Some of Trump’s advisors have expressed concerns that the presence of officials like Wang and Cai might not align with Trump’s expectations, given his invitation to Xi. A source told the Financial Times that the Chinese government feels compelled to send an official of a similar rank to ensure a good start to the relationship.
The individual who attends the inauguration from China is likely to engage in talks with the new Trump administration, the Financial Times reported.
Trump is set to become the 47th President of the United States following the inauguration.