Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anticipated visit to Washington for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration has been canceled, according to sources familiar with the planning. It was initially reported by CBS News that Trump had extended a personal invitation to Xi shortly after the election. However, it is now understood that Xi will not be attending the ceremony, with China’s ambassador to the U.S. and his spouse expected to represent the country instead. Additional officials from Beijing may also join them at the event.
Inauguration officials have made arrangements for diplomatic protocol to be followed during the festivities, with designated staff handling the coordination. The Chinese embassy in Washington has chosen not to comment on the matter, while there has been no response from the Trump transition team regarding the cancellation of Xi’s visit.
When questioned about Xi’s attendance, incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that she was unaware of the situation but confirmed that other world leaders had been invited to the inauguration. Trump himself mentioned that he maintains a positive relationship with China and President Xi, although he did not delve into specific details during his recent CNBC interview. The invitation extended to Xi was unconventional, bypassing formal diplomatic channels and catching both Chinese officials and U.S. allies off guard.
Historical records from the State Department indicate that no foreign head of state has previously attended an American inauguration dating back to 1874. The timing of the invitation to Xi is particularly sensitive given the strained U.S.-China relationship, exacerbated by recent revelations of a significant cyberattack on U.S. telecom companies by Chinese actors. This breach, which compromised the metadata of numerous Americans, including high-profile figures like Vice President-elect JD Vance, has raised concerns about cybersecurity and national security.
Senator Marco Rubio, who serves as the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee and is nominated to be the next secretary of state in the Trump administration, condemned the telecom hack as a severe threat to national security. The decision to invite Xi to the inauguration has puzzled several Western diplomats, given the varying perspectives on China within the Trump team. This move could potentially create internal tensions within the administration and impact the broader geopolitical relationship between the two countries.
The cancellation of Xi’s visit to the inauguration represents a shift in diplomatic plans and underscores the complexities of U.S.-China relations under the incoming Trump administration. As the inauguration approaches, the absence of Xi will be noted, signaling a recalibration of diplomatic engagements between the two global powers. The decision not to attend the ceremony may have implications for future interactions between the U.S. and China, as both countries navigate a complex geopolitical landscape characterized by strategic competition and cooperation.
