Chinese premier Xi Jinping has rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next month, CBS News reported on Friday. Xi was widely expected to miss the ceremony as the country he leads continues to compete with the U.S. for global influence.
Different experts had told The Associated Press this would be the likely outcome, as the optics would not help China. Being close to several hawkish members of Congress, the possibility of a Taiwanese leader being present, and getting the same status as other guests were among the main arguments against a trip to the inauguration.
Moreover, the lack of protocol or precedent of a Chinese leader attending an inauguration helped for the decision to not be widely seen as a diplomatic jab.
Daniel Russell, vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, told the outlet there were also security concerns, and that Chinese officials always "demanded that any leader trip to Washington be treated as a full 'state visit' with all the bells and whistles."
Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt had said the invitation was extended as an example of the president-elect "creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors too."
In accordance with protocol, China's ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng and his spouse are expected to represent the country at the January 20 ceremony.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
