In a rare diplomatic move, China is REPORTEDLY sending a high-level envoy to Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, signaling an effort to ease tensions between Washington and Beijing as the new U.S. administration takes office.

THIS COMES AFTER TRUMP SENT AN INVITE TO CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JIN PING HIMSELF IN DECEMBER – WHO IS REPORTEDLY NOT GOING.

BUT THE ATTENDANCE OF ANY HIGH-LEVEL CHINESE OFFICIALS WOULD mark an unprecedented shift –

WITH CHINA USUALLY USING ITS AMBASSADOR IN WASHINGTON TO REPRESENT THE COUNTRY AT SUCH EVENTS.

XI IS EXPECTED TO DISPATCH A SENIOR OFFICIAL –

YET WHICH ONE REMAINS UNCLEAR.

SOME SOURCES TOLD THE FINANCIAL TIMES IT COULD BE THE COUNTRY’S VICE PRESIDENT OR FOREIGN MINISTER.

ACCORDING TO THEIR REPORT –

TRUMP’S TEAM EXPECTS CHINA TO RESPOND TO THE INVITATION APPROPRIATELY BY SENDING AN “APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF OFFICIAL TO START THE RELATIONSHIP OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT.”

The timing of this move is significant, as both countries brace for possible escalation in their already tense relationship. 

HUMAN RIGHTS, TRADE, TAIWAN, AI, COVID ORIGINS ARE SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN LONGSTANDING AND WILL LIKELY INTENSIFY DURING TRUMP’S SECOND TERM.

TRUMP IS ALSO MAKING CABINET APPOINTMENTS KNOWN FOR THEIR TOUGH STANCE ON CHINA –

Including Mike Waltz, his incoming national security adviser, and Senator Marco Rubio, NOMINATED TO become secretary of state.

Trump confirmed that his team is already in contact with Beijing EVEN BEFORE INAUGURATION DAY –

stating during a recent radio interview that HIS PEOPLE AND XI’S HAVE been “talking through their representatives.”

TRUMP’S INITIAL INVITE AND REPORTS OF CHINA SENDING A TOP LEVEL envoy TO THE INAUGURATION COULD SIGNAL both countries’ desire to manage the tensions STRATEGICALLY.

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