China will send envoy to Trump's inauguration to "improve relations" – FT
Chinese leader Xi Jinping will send a high-ranking envoy to Donald Trump’s inauguration, signalling a reduction in tensions between China and the incoming US administration.
Source: Financial Times, citing several individuals familiar with the negotiations
Quote: "China’s President Xi Jinping will send a high-level envoy to Donald Trump’s inauguration, in an unprecedented move designed to reduce friction between the countries at the start of the new US administration."
Details: Financial Times indicate that Beijing’s representative will attend Trump’s inauguration and later hold talks with him.
Earlier reports indicated that Trump had extended an invitation to Xi to attend the inauguration as a gesture of his intent to restore high-level engagement between the two nations, similar to the interactions during his first term in the White House.
Sources told Financial Times that Xi might send Han Zheng, a vice-president who sometimes stands in for him in ceremonial roles. Another option is foreign minister Wang Yi.
Background:
- US President-elect Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction that national flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of his inauguration, 20 January, due to the ongoing mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.
- In mid-December, CBS News reported, citing two sources, that Xi Jinping is unlikely to attend Trump’s inauguration in Washington.
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