Trump on inviting China's Xi for his inauguration: Would love to have him

Donald Trump extended a rare invitation to Xi Jinping for his inauguration, citing their past rapport. However, sources suggest Xi is unlikely to attend the January 20 ceremony.

In Short

• China and US together can solve world's problems, says Donald Trump
• Xi unlikely to attend Trump's inauguration, envoy expected
• No foreign leader has attended US inauguration before

US President-elect Donald Trump said he would welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping at his inauguration on January 20 next year, but added that no formal agreement had been reached. Trump had invited the Chinese President in early November, shortly after his election win, but it was not clear whether he has accepted the invitation.

"If he would like to come, I would love to have him. But there is nothing much discussed," Trump said. He added that the two leaders had "a very good relationship until COVID" but noted there had been some distance since.

"Just so you understand, he hasn't either accepted or declined the invitation," Trump said. "China and the United States can together solve all the problems in the world. Think about it," he added.

Two people familiar with the planning told the BBC that Xi was unlikely to attend the ceremony in January. They said China’s ambassador to the United States was expected to be present, along with other officials from Beijing.

CBC News reported that Trump had personally invited Xi to the inauguration ceremony shortly after Election Day.

According to CBC News report, no foreign leader has attended a US presidential inauguration in the past. Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, described the invitation as an effort to maintain “an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just allies but our adversaries and competitors too.”

Trump, speaking about his past interactions with Xi, said they had spent “hours and hours talking” and described Xi as “an amazing guy.”