Chinese president snubs Trump: report

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly declined to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration next month in Washington, despite the president-elect personally extending an invitation to the foreign leader.

Xi, whose over two decades in power as China’s president has been described by experts – and President Joe Biden – as “dictatorial,” had been invited as an inauguration guest by Trump shortly after he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, CBS News reported Wednesday night, citing multiple sources.

But by Thursday, it became clear that China's leader would reject the invitation to witness Trump's second swearing-in ceremony.

“China's ambassador to the U.S. and his spouse are expected to attend the Jan. 20 event, as is standard practice,” sources told CBS News, which added that additional officials from Beijing may join them.

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Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump transition team, told Fox News on Thursday that she didn’t know if Xi had RSVP’d for the inauguration, but added that other foreign dignitaries had been invited to attend as well, according to CBS News.

"We have a good relationship with China. I have a good relationship," Trump said during a CNBC interview Thursday morning. "We've been talking and discussing with President Xi some things."

Xi had Chinese lawmakers amend the country's constitution in 2018 to remove term limits and impose strict censorship and surveillance measures. The invite came as Trump ratchets up rhetoric and threats of steep tariffs on China.

Leavitt, who Trump named as his next administration’s White House press secretary, told Fox News on Wednesday: "World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe."