In an unexpected move, US President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration on January 20. This development comes amid Trump’s promises of a tougher stance on Beijing and the inclusion of prominent China critics in his upcoming cabinet.

According to sources, Trump extended the invitation shortly after the November election, though it remains unclear if President Xi has accepted. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment on the matter.

A Rare Gesture of Diplomacy

If Xi Jinping attends, it would mark the first time a Chinese leader—or any foreign head of state—has participated in a US presidential inauguration. While ambassadors and diplomats traditionally represent their nations at such ceremonies, Trump’s outreach signals an unconventional approach to foreign diplomacy. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, emphasized that the invitation reflects Trump’s commitment to maintaining open communication with both allies and rivals.

“World leaders are lining up to meet President Trump because they recognize his imminent return to power and his vision of restoring peace through American strength,” Leavitt stated. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his close relationship with Trump, has also been invited but has yet to confirm his attendance. Orbán recently visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Trump’s Tough Talk on China

Despite the diplomatic overture, Trump has maintained a confrontational stance towards China. During his campaign, he pledged to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing does not act to curb the trafficking of fentanyl. He also threatened tariffs exceeding 60% and pressed TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations by January 19 to avoid a potential ban.

Members of Trump’s incoming cabinet, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, are vocal critics of Beijing’s policies. Trump himself has repeatedly criticized Xi’s government but noted in a recent interview that he “got along very well” with the Chinese leader during their discussions.

A Shift in Diplomatic Norms

Inviting foreign leaders to a presidential inauguration is a significant departure from precedent. US State Department records dating back to 1874 show no foreign leader has attended a presidential swearing-in ceremony. Analysts view this move as part of Trump’s strategy to redefine US-China relations while signaling a willingness to engage adversaries on his own terms.

As preparations for the January 20 ceremony continue, Trump’s invitations to global leaders underscore his determination to project a strong image on the world stage, even as he adopts an assertive posture towards one of the United States' most formidable geopolitical rivals.