Xi’s RSVP is a snub to Trump, but the inauguration invite is still a big deal.
Imagine the scene, at noon on January 20, on the west front of the US Capitol.
As Donald Trump swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution on the same spot where his supporters rioted four years ago, an extraordinary VIP guest looks on, overshadowing ex-presidents, military brass and members of Congress.
Bundled up to ward off the winter chill is Xi Jinping, the hardline leader of China — the country almost everyone on the inaugural platform sees as an existential threat to US superpower dominance as a 21st century cold war accelerates.
It’s a fantastical picture, because even before sources on Thursday confirmed Xi wouldn’t attend, it was obvious it could not happen, despite Trump’s stunning invitation to the leader of the Chinese Communist Party for a second inauguration he hopes to turn into a striking global statement.
Imagine the scene, at noon on January 20, on the west front of the US Capitol.
As Donald Trump swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution on the same spot where his supporters rioted four years ago, an extraordinary VIP guest looks on, overshadowing ex-presidents, military brass and members of Congress.
Bundled up to ward off the winter chill is Xi Jinping, the hardline leader of China — the country almost everyone on the inaugural platform sees as an existential threat to US superpower dominance as a 21st century cold war accelerates.
It’s a fantastical picture, because even before sources on Thursday confirmed Xi wouldn’t attend, it was obvious it could not happen, despite Trump’s stunning invitation to the leader of the Chinese Communist Party for a second inauguration he hopes to turn into a striking global statement.
13 days ago
