Xi Skips Trump’s Big Day, but Sends Powerful Envoy to Bridge the Gap

On Friday, the Financial Times reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to send a high-ranking envoy to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This departure from China’s usual practice of having its Washington ambassador attend U.S. presidential inaugurations is unprecedented. The Financial Times interprets this as an unprecedented move by Xi to reduce tensions between the two nations as Trump begins his second term.

According to multiple sources cited by the Financial Times, China has informed Trump’s transition team that a top Chinese official will attend the January 20 inauguration in Xi’s place. The envoy is also expected to meet with Trump’s transition team.

Trump had previously invited Xi to the inauguration. This unusual gesture signals his willingness to resume dialogue with Xi, a feature of his first term. China, anticipating potential trade tensions following Trump’s return to the White House, has reportedly been working to establish connections with Trump’s inner circle since before the November election results were announced.

Potential candidates for the envoy role include Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who also serves as director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission. Han often stands in for Xi at official ceremonies. Some sources suggest that Trump’s team would prefer Cai Qi, Xi’s chief of staff, who wields more influence than Han or Wang. An insider noted that given Trump’s invitation to the Chinese leader, sending a lower-ranking envoy could be perceived as disrespectful. They emphasized that China needs to send an appropriately high-level official to start the relationship on the right foot.

Experts consider it highly unlikely that Xi will attend in person. Dennis Wilder, former senior director for China at the White House, commented that Xi probably concluded that the domestic risks of attending in person were too high, given Trump’s unpredictability. Wilder noted that by sending a high-profile envoy to meet with Trump and his cabinet, Xi can convey his desire for a positive start with the new administration without risking a fruitless trip or public embarrassment.