In a historic moment for U.S. politics, President-elect Donald Trump will welcome foreign leaders to his inauguration, a first for this significant political tradition of peaceful power transition. Among the invited dignitaries are Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will send Vice President Han Zheng as his representative, and other conservative leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as detailed by AP News and Le Monde.

This inauguration deviates from tradition as no leaders have ever attended such events, reflecting Trump's unconventional approach to foreign diplomacy. Both Milei and Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña were special guests at the recent Hispanic inaugural ball, marking a significant departure in protocol.

China's involvement is particularly noteworthy. Xi Jinping's invitation marks a pivotal moment, especially given the existing tensions between the U.S. and China. Trump has previously indicated intentions to impose tariffs and address trade concerns, positioning China as a primary focus of his administration. During a phone conversation, the leaders discussed key topics such as trade, fentanyl, and TikTok, with Trump expressing satisfaction with their dialogue, stating it was "a very good one."

Argentina's Javier Milei is seen as a strong ally, having met with Trump soon after the election. Both leaders are expected to strengthen bilateral ties, with Milei seeking to improve Argentina's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He describes himself as an "anarcho-capitalist" and has implemented harsh austerity measures in Argentina, which have garnered attention from notable figures including billionaire Elon Musk.

Italy's Meloni has maintained relations with both Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden, positioning herself as a vital link between Europe and the U.S. Her presence at the inauguration signifies potential collaboration under Trump's leadership.

Furthermore, former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili is slated to attend, representing a country that remains troubled by political unrest and opposition claims of rigged elections. She posits that Georgia could represent a critical success or a significant problem for U.S. interests in the region, particularly regarding Russian influence.

Though French President Emmanuel Macron will not attend, a contingent of far-right politicians is expected to make their presence felt at the inauguration, highlighting the diverse political alignments at play.

In a twist of modern diplomacy, Taiwan is also involved, dispatching a legislative speaker and other officials to the U.S. Although their attendance at the ceremony has been canceled, they will meet with American political figures to reinforce U.S.-Taiwan relations.

This unprecedented gathering of foreign leaders at an American presidential inauguration speaks volumes about the changing landscape of international relations and the Trump administration's policy direction as it steps into the forefront of global politics.

For further details, visit AP News or Le Monde.