Trump Invites Xi Jinping to 2025 Inauguration Amidst U.S.-China Tensions and Key Policy Decisions

President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration on January 20, 2025, according to sources cited by CBS News. The invitation, extended shortly after Trump’s electoral victory in early November, has not yet received a formal response from the Chinese leader or the Chinese embassy in Washington.

Trump’s transition team is actively preparing for the participation of several world leaders at the inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his amicable relations with Trump and his recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago, has yet to confirm whether he will attend the event.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, stated that many global leaders are eager to engage with the incoming administration. “They recognize that President Trump’s return to power signals a commitment to strengthening global stability through American leadership,” she said.

As Trump prepares to assume office, his administration has maintained a firm stance on trade relations with China. A January 19 deadline has been set for ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to divest from the popular social media platform or face a U.S. ban. This decision aligns with Trump’s broader policy of addressing national security concerns and enforcing stricter trade measures.

TikTok, which continues to contest the ban, recently escalated its legal battle by appealing to the Supreme Court after losing a prior injunction request. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for U.S.-China tech relations.

Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, where he secured 295 electoral votes compared to Democratic opponent Kamala Harris’ 226 votes, marks a significant political milestone.

With this win, Trump becomes the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms, a feat last achieved by Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century. Trump’s initial term ran from 2016 to 2020, and his return to office reflects a notable shift in the U.S. political landscape.

The forthcoming inauguration on January 20 is expected to draw considerable international attention, particularly as Trump seeks to navigate complex global relations during his second term.