Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to send a high-ranking government official to represent him at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20 after declining an invitation to attend the event personally, according to the Financial Times.

Xi has reportedly informed the Trump transition team that a top Chinese official will attend the inauguration in Xi’s stead, with several sources suggesting it may be Chinese Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Times notes that some of Trump’s advisers reportedly wanted Xi’s right-hand man, Cai Qi, to attend and that Trump may be unhappy if Wang or Han is sent instead.

“The Chinese need to send the appropriate level of official to start the relationship off on the right foot,” said the Times’ source, whose name was not given.

Read more at Newsmax© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.