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Xi Jinping’s response to Trump’s inauguration invitation: A diplomatic tightrope
As the political landscape shifts with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the invitation extended to Chinese leader Xi Jinping for his inauguration on January 20 has sparked a flurry of speculation.
Experts suggest that Xi is unlikely to accept this invitation, viewing it as a potential diplomatic misstep that could undermine China’s standing on the global stage.
The risks of attending
According to Danny Russel, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, the optics of Xi attending such an event could be detrimental.
“Can you imagine Xi Jinping sitting outdoors in Washington, DC, in January, surrounded by hawkish members of Congress?” he questions. The idea of being reduced to a mere guest at a foreign leader’s celebration is something that Xi would likely find unacceptable.
The Chinese leadership is known for its emphasis on dignity and security, especially when engaging with foreign powers.
Beijing’s cautious approach
Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, echoes this sentiment, stating that Beijing is likely to play it safe given the lack of precedent for a Chinese leader attending a U.S.
presidential inauguration. The potential risks associated with the guest list, particularly the presence of Taiwan’s top diplomat, further complicate matters. For China, Taiwan is a sensitive issue, and any perceived slight could escalate tensions significantly.
Future of US-China relations
While the invitation may seem like a gesture of goodwill, it does not negate the underlying tensions that characterize US-China relations. Trump’s administration is expected to adopt a hardline stance, with the possibility of imposing tariffs on Chinese goods.
This could leave Xi in a precarious position, as attending the inauguration could be seen as a miscalculation if aggressive policies are enacted shortly thereafter.
Despite the current diplomatic tightrope, there is speculation that Trump and Xi may meet in person soon. Trump has a preference for face-to-face interactions, particularly with key adversaries, and this could present an opportunity for both leaders to negotiate directly. However, the stakes are high, and both sides are likely to tread carefully as they navigate this complex relationship.
In conclusion, while Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping may appear to be a friendly overture, the reality is far more complicated. The dynamics of US-China relations are fraught with tension, and any misstep could have significant repercussions for both nations. As the world watches, the question remains: how will Xi respond to this diplomatic challenge?
