Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump is already making waves before his inauguration by extending an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping. While it remains uncertain whether Xi will actually take Trump up on his generous offer, the very idea of engaging with overseas leaders, even adversarial ones, demonstrates the open dialogue approach that Trump is known for. Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently revealed that this invitation aligns with Trump’s philosophy of diplomacy, even if it does raise a few eyebrows among critics who see it as dangerous.
Leavitt pointed out that establishing communication with international leaders, including those who may not have America’s best interests at heart, has been a hallmark of Trump’s prior administration. Critics may call this risky or naïve, but the results speak for themselves. After all, who can forget the unprecedented peace deals and improved tensions that occurred during his time in office? Some might say that conversations are a better alternative to sending troops, at least until the comedy of errors from the last administration is finally forgotten.
WATCH: Fox’s @JesseBWatters on Trump inviting China’s President XI Jinping to his inauguration: “A power move to intimidate the Chinese leader. If he declines, it's disrespectful and Trump will take it personally. If he accepts, he will be forced to observe President Trump at his… pic.twitter.com/pZmjYExOsY
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) December 12, 2024
As amusing as the prospect of Xi showing up to the January 20 festivities would be, one must admit it’s quite a long shot. Relations between China and the U.S. have always been a roller coaster ride, seemingly stuck in an eternal game of diplomatic tug-of-war. With Xi having made his fair share of missteps on the world stage, it’s hard to believe he’d engage in what could be painted as an endorsement of Trump’s policies.
Tensions have indeed risen, especially regarding China’s handling of fentanyl exports to the U.S. Trump has been vocal about his displeasure towards China for allowing this deadly substance to flow so freely into American communities. It’s a bold move for Trump to threaten tariffs as a way to hold China accountable. Honestly, if Xi needs any reminders of the consequences of ignoring U.S. concerns, a quick check of recent history should set him straight—because nothing shakes up a foreign leader quite like a threat to their economy.
The threat of retaliation from China in response to these tariffs adds just another layer of complexity to an already tangled relationship. If Trump keeps asserting that China should face the music for their negligence, it remains to be seen if their bold talk of penalties and tariff threats is as toothless as it is dramatic. Regardless of Xi’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration, one thing is crystal clear: engaging in tough conversations and taking a firm stance could very well be what separates Trump’s brand of leadership from that of the capitulators in Washington.
