China to Send Senior Official to Trump’s Inauguration in Unprecedented Move

Beijing’s decision to dispatch a high-ranking envoy signals efforts to ease tensions with the incoming U.S. administration.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, instead opting to send a senior official, breaking traditional diplomatic norms.
The Trump team reportedly requested Cai Qi, a Politburo Standing Committee member, though Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are also under consideration as potential representatives from China.
This move reflects Beijing’s attempt to reduce friction with Washington over contentious issues such as trade tariffs, Taiwan, and China’s support for Russia during its conflict with Ukraine.
Historically, China has only sent its ambassador to U.S. presidential inaugurations, making this decision a notable shift in diplomatic engagement.
Taiwan’s Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu is also set to lead an eight-member delegation to the event, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Taiwan, China, and the U.S.