Chinese President Xi Jinping has chosen not to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration, opting instead to send a high-ranking envoy to represent Beijing, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The decision was communicated to Trump’s transition team, which had extended an unusual invitation to Xi late last year.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the selected envoy is expected to engage in talks with Trump’s team, signaling a desire for a constructive start to the new administration’s term.
Potential candidates for the role include Vice President Han Zheng, who frequently represents Xi at ceremonial functions, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
However, there is speculation that Trump’s advisers may push for Cai Qi, a prominent member of the Politburo Standing Committee and a trusted ally of Xi, to represent China at the historic event.
The decision to invite Xi to the inauguration was met with surprise, as it would have been unprecedented for a Chinese leader to attend the swearing-in ceremony of a U.S. president.
While Xi’s absence avoids potential political risks, sending a senior envoy aligns with Beijing’s strategy of maintaining high-level engagement without overstepping diplomatic norms.
Experts suggest that Xi’s choice of envoy may reflect a calculated move to balance goodwill and caution.
Dennis Wilder, a former White House China adviser, noted that by dispatching a trusted figure of significant stature, Xi can project a willingness to cooperate with the new administration while avoiding the risk of public embarrassment should talks fail to yield immediate results.
Trump’s invitation to Xi was initially viewed as an overture to strengthen ties with Beijing, despite mounting tensions.
The president-elect has already signaled a tougher stance on China, appointing key figures like Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Mike Waltz, both known for their hawkish views, to his administration.
Additionally, Trump has vowed to impose an extra 10% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing fails to take stronger action against fentanyl trafficking, and he has floated the possibility of tariffs exceeding 60% during his campaign.
Beijing appears eager to de-escalate potential conflicts, particularly on trade and economic issues.
On January 7, China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized its willingness to promote “stable, healthy, and sustainable development” of bilateral relations with the United States, a marked shift toward conciliatory rhetoric amid uncertainty.
The envoy’s presence and the ensuing discussions could set the tone for the bilateral dynamic as Trump enters his second term.