Tariffs looming, Trump invites Chinese President Xi Jinping to inauguration
WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inauguration in January, but it is unclear if the foreign leader plans to attend.
Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, confirmed the invitation on Fox and Friends on Thursday morning.
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“This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialog with leaders of countries that are not just our allies, but our adversaries and our competitors too,” Leavitt said. “He is willing to talk to anyone and he will always put America’s interests first.”
Did Xi accept? Leavitt said that Jinping’s attendance is still “to be determined.” The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY.
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Trump’s relationship with China has been fraught since his first term in office when, he imposed tariffs on more than $300 billion worth of goods from the country. Trump has said he plans to sign an executive order immediately after his inauguration introducing a 10% tariff on all goods from China.
Leavitt said during her interview on Fox that Trump had extended an invitation to the inauguration to other world leaders as well, but did not say who.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump invites Chinese President Xi Jinping to inauguration