Trump Invites China to Inauguration, and They Respond

China’s Vice President Han Zheng will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration as President Xi Jinping’s special representative, marking a significant diplomatic gesture amidst ongoing US-China tensions.

At a Glance

  • Xi Jinping declines unusual invitation to attend Trump’s inauguration
  • Vice President Han Zheng to represent China at the event
  • Decision viewed as strategic move to balance protocol and Trump’s preferences
  • US-China rivalry expected to intensify under Trump administration
  • China expresses readiness to enhance dialogue and cooperation with new US government

Xi’s Strategic Decision

In a move that has caught the attention of diplomatic circles, Chinese President Xi Jinping has opted to send Vice President Han Zheng as his special representative to Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. This decision comes in response to an unusual invitation extended to Xi, marking the first time a foreign Head of State has been officially invited to a U.S. Presidential Inauguration.

The choice to send Han Zheng is seen as a carefully calculated diplomatic maneuver. Sun Yun from the Stimson Center suggests that this decision demonstrates China’s willingness to accommodate Trump’s preferences while maintaining diplomatic protocol. Danny Russel of the Asia Society Policy Institute echoes this sentiment, highlighting the delicate balance China is trying to strike.

“China is willing to forego protocol and cater to what Trump wants,” Sun Yun said.

This is huge, because under other circumstances, a visit like this just…wouldn’t happen. They didn’t attend Biden’s inauguration!

Diplomatic Implications

The decision to send Han Zheng carries significant diplomatic weight – which is helpful for Trump rebuilding our relationship with the country.

China’s Foreign Ministry has expressed a readiness to work with the new U.S. administration to enhance dialogue and cooperation, signaling a desire for improved relations despite ongoing tensions.

“We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relations and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other,” the Ministry’s Spokesperson said.

However, the U.S.-China rivalry is expected to intensify under the Trump administration. Several of Trump’s nominees for key positions are known China hawks, suggesting a potentially confrontational approach to bilateral relations.

Xi’s decision not to attend the inauguration personally is rooted in various factors. Security concerns play a significant role, with Xi prioritizing his safety during foreign trips. Additionally, there are strategic considerations at play. Attending the inauguration could be perceived as a sign of weakness, which Xi is keen to avoid.

Despite Xi’s absence, the Chinese leader is reportedly eager to restore engagement with the U.S., driven by economic pressures at home. Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on Chinese goods add further urgency to this desire for improved relations.

He’s already doing things differently…