Trump invites Xi Jinping to inauguration despite TikTok deadline

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration ceremony on January 20, according to a report from CBS News on Wednesday.

The invitation, reportedly sent in early November following Trump’s election victory, highlights efforts to include prominent foreign dignitaries in the swearing-in ceremony. However, it remains unclear whether Xi has accepted the invitation.

Trump’s team has indicated that more world leaders may join the event. “World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe,” said Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, as cited by CBS News.

This development comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. Trump recently threatened to impose higher tariffs on Chinese goods, reigniting trade disputes. Additionally, the U.S. government has set a January 19 deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest the social media platform or face a nationwide ban.