Trump Extends Inauguration Invitation to Xi Jinping, Aims for Open Dialogue

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has extended invitations to foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, to attend his inauguration scheduled for January 20. The announcement was made by a Trump transition spokesperson on Thursday.

When asked if President Xi had responded to the invitation, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that it was “to be determined.” She did not disclose the names of other world leaders who were also invited. Leavitt emphasized that this move reflects Trump’s commitment to fostering open dialogue with leaders from both allied and adversarial nations, asserting, “He is willing to talk to anyone and he will always put America’s interests first.”

In a separate statement, the Kremlin indicated that it had not received an invitation to the inauguration. The invitation to Xi was reportedly extended in early November, shortly after the presidential election on November 5, according to CBS News, which first reported the invitation on Wednesday.

The Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the invitation.