Officials are preparing for the possibility of Chinese President Xi Jinping attending Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration, which would mark the first attendance of a foreign leader at such an event since at least 1874. The Trump transition team has not confirmed Xi's participation but noted that numerous world leaders are eager to meet with the incoming president.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who recently met with Trump, is still deliberating on his attendance. If Xi accepts the invitation, it could signify a pivotal moment in U.S.-China relations, which have been strained, particularly following Congress's decision to ban TikTok over data security concerns.
Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on China, indicating ongoing tensions. The incoming president has engaged with various global leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, since his election victory.