Trump's Unusual Inauguration Invitation Leaves China Guessing What His Next Move Is

Trump invited Xi Jinping to his inauguration, surprising China and potentially easing tensions before a trade war.

In history, no Chinese head of state has attended a U.S. inauguration, leaving everyone wondering what Trump was up to when he moved left.

Xi is not expected to accept the invitation, sources told CBS News.

"Trump stated on CNBC on Friday that he has a good relationship with China and has been discussing matters with President Xi."

The hack of eight U.S. telecom companies by Chinese hackers, which exposed the data of millions of Americans, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, has led to an invitation.

The Salt Typhoon hack, one of the most extensive in history, primarily impacted individuals in the Washington, D.C., region and focused on government-related individuals. Their phone conversations and messages were obtained through interception.

On Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced that a Chinese national was arrested for suspected drone flying over Vandenberg Space Force base in Northern California.

According to China expert Gordon Chang, many individuals were dismayed by this invitation.

"The man responsible for spreading COVID beyond China borders and the fentanyl program that kills 70,000 Americans a year was not a good look for the United States, and it betrayed weakness."

Chang stated that the Chinese president views Trump's actions and believes he is not genuine.

"Xi Jinping has made it clear that the United States is viewed as China's enemy. He has demonstrated this in various ways. In Xi's mind, an American president showing friendship is seen as a display of weakness, and Chinese leaders always exploit weakness."

The invitation suggests that Trump may adopt a more conciliatory stance towards China after a campaign characterized by threats of increasing tariffs.

The suggestion of a 60% tariff on all imported goods from China, worth approximately $400 billion, has been proposed by Trump.

Trump's campaign promise to control inflation could be jeopardized by free trade supporters' concerns that the move would break a top campaign promise.

The threat of a trade war intensifies as military tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific. China has been showcasing its military might in the waters surrounding U.S. allies, including the Philippines and Japan, and is increasingly threatening Taiwan, an island democracy it considers its own territory.

Could the U.S. potentially be at war with China, as defense experts ponder?

Lyle Goldstein, Director of Asia Engagement at Defense Priorities, viewed the invitation as a positive sign of willingness to engage.

Under the Biden administration, nothing like that has occurred," he stated. "I believe China is eager to negotiate, as Trump is skilled in making deals.

"The Biden administration's approach was highly ideological, with a clear distinction between right and wrong."

"The consequences of a new Cold War between the United States and China, according to Goldstein, would be catastrophic for both countries. There is an awareness among the Trump team that the stakes are extremely high."

In response to Trump's tariffs, China is considering devaluing its currency further, reports Reuters.

Goldstein stated that while trading with China is generally beneficial, there are necessary adjustments that must be made.

"I would like to observe the outcome of adjusting China's currency."