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Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next month, despite receiving a formal invitation. Instead, China’s ambassador to the U.S. and his spouse will represent Beijing at the event, following diplomatic norms.
This decision comes as no surprise to experts, as no Chinese head of state—or any foreign leader—has ever attended a U.S. presidential inauguration. Such events are primarily domestic celebrations, and inviting global leaders to attend is an unusual gesture.
President Xi’s attendance would carry significant diplomatic risks. Experts say it could be seen as endorsing a foreign leader’s political success, a precedent China is unlikely to set. Danny Russel of the Asia Society Policy Institute noted that attending the event could diminish Xi’s stature, reducing him to the role of a guest celebrating Trump’s triumph.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has avoided commenting directly on the invitation. Still, the decision reflects a calculated adherence to diplomatic protocol rather than personal rejection.
Relations between the U.S. and China remain tense, especially after Trump’s first presidency, which saw a trade war between the two countries. Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, and both sides suffered economic losses. His rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic, including calling it the “China virus,” further strained ties.
Trump has promised more tariffs in his second term, along with stricter policies on Chinese investments in U.S. land and resources. These ongoing tensions make Xi’s presence at the inauguration unlikely.
While Xi’s absence at the inauguration follows diplomatic norms, it also reflects the broader complexities in U.S.-China relations. Moving forward, both nations face the challenge of navigating a delicate balance between competition and collaboration.
