Amid Tariff Threats To China, Trump Invites Xi Jinping To His Inauguration

US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly invited his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration next month, despite his promise to slap high tariffs on China after taking office. Donald Trump will take oath as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.

The incoming US president invited Mr Xi in early November, shortly after the election, CBS News reported quoting multiple sources. However, it is still not clear if the Chinese President will attend the ceremony.

Mr Trump's invitation to the Chinese President is an unprecedented step, as the US does not have a tradition of inviting foreign leaders to Presidents' inaugural ceremonies. Official records dating back to 1874 show that no foreign leader attended a transfer-of-power ceremony in the US till now. which is typically attended by ambassadors and other diplomats.