President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his upcoming inauguration, as confirmed by a spokesperson on Thursday.
During an appearance on ‘Fox and Friends,’ Karoline Leavitt, the designated press secretary for the incoming administration, validated a report from CBS News regarding Trump’s invitation to Xi.
Leavitt emphasized the significance of Trump fostering open communication with leaders from various nations, including both allies and adversaries. She highlighted the positive outcomes of such dialogues in the past and reiterated Trump’s commitment to prioritizing America’s interests.
Although the status of Xi’s acceptance remains uncertain, Leavitt mentioned that it is ‘to be determined’ when pressed by the Fox hosts.
Notably, the invitation coincides with escalating tensions between the outgoing Biden administration and Beijing concerning trade policies, particularly related to semiconductor chips. This friction has led to reciprocal restrictions on imports and exports between the two nations.
Despite these challenges, recent efforts have been made to de-escalate conflicts and enhance cooperation between the U.S. and China. Agreements on various issues, from military communication to technology regulations, have been reached, signaling a potential shift towards greater collaboration.
Trump’s stance on China has been firm, with proposed tariffs and a tough approach towards Beijing. However, there have been indications of willingness to engage in dialogue, exemplified by the post-election phone call between Trump and Xi.
