Xi to send senior envoy to Trump’s inauguration to ease US-China tensions

In a significant diplomatic move, China’s President Xi Jinping is set to send a high-ranking envoy to Donald Trump’s inauguration in a bid to de-escalate tensions between the two nations as the new US administration takes office.

This marks an unprecedented gesture aimed at easing the relationship with Washington, especially as Beijing braces for potential trade disputes.

According to sources familiar with the talks, cited by FT, Beijing informed Trump’s transition team that a senior Chinese official will attend the inauguration in place of President Xi, signalling a desire for ongoing engagement with the new administration, per Caliber.Az.

The envoy is expected to hold discussions with Trump’s team, further reinforcing China’s commitment to constructive dialogue.

Trump had previously extended an unusual invitation to Xi to attend the inauguration, hoping to restart high-level communications with the Chinese leader, similar to the dynamic seen during his first presidential term. This development comes as Beijing seeks to manage growing concerns over trade tensions with Washington.

While the identity of the envoy has not been confirmed, sources suggest possible candidates such as Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Han, often standing in for Xi in ceremonial roles, is considered a strong contender, while some inside Trump’s transition team have expressed interest in Cai Qi, a Politburo Standing Committee member and Xi’s right-hand man, as the most appropriate choice.

“Sending the right level of official is crucial to ensuring a positive start to the relationship,” one insider stated. The concern is that a lower-ranking figure like Wang may not convey the intended message of respect, as he ranks below Cai and Han in Chinese politics.

The move to send such a high-ranking envoy is exceptional, given China has traditionally been represented by its ambassador to the US. “Xi likely sees Trump as unpredictable and prefers not to take the risk of attending the inauguration in person,” noted Dennis Wilder, a former White House China adviser. “By sending a senior envoy, Xi signals his intent to foster good relations while avoiding potential diplomatic pitfalls.”

Beyond the ceremonial role, the Chinese envoy is also expected to engage in substantive talks with Trump’s cabinet, particularly in light of the hawkish appointments in his national security team. Figures like incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz and Deputy Alex Wong are known for their tough stance on China, and Trump’s pick of Marco Rubio for secretary of state has raised concerns in Beijing.

Trump, for his part, has confirmed that his team has already initiated discussions with Chinese representatives. “We’ve been talking through their representatives,” Trump said in an interview, continuing to hold China accountable for the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

By Tamilla Hasanova