US President-elect Donald Trump has officially invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inauguration on January 20, despite growing tensions between the two countries over trade and security issues, CBS reports. The invitation was extended in early November, shortly after Trump’s election victory, although it remains unclear whether Xi has accepted.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately comment on the invitation.
In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump stated that he has a good relationship with Xi and mentioned that they had communicated as recently as this week.
Trump has appointed several strong critics of China to important positions in his administration, including Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state. He has also threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless China takes stronger action against the trafficking of fentanyl. During his campaign, Trump proposed tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports.
In late November, Chinese state media cautioned that Trump’s tariff threats could lead to a damaging trade war between the two largest economies in the world.
