Trump leaves China guessing what his next move is with unusual inauguration invitation

The move left everyone wondering what Trump was up to - a Chinese head of state has not attended a U.S. inauguration in all of history. 

"We have a good relationship with China. I have a good relationship," Trump told CNBC on Friday. "We've been talking and discussing with President Xi some things."

Meanwhile, a Chinese national was arrested on suspicion of flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force base in Northern California, the Department of Justice said Wednesday. 

"Many people were disappointed by this invitation," said China expert Gordon Chang.

"The Chinese president looks at that and believes that Trump is not serious," said Chang. 

"Xi Jinping has made it clear that the United States is China's enemy. He's done that in many ways. And for an American president to show friendship is not a gesture in Xi's mind, it's a display of weakness, and Chinese leaders always take advantage of weakness." 

It's not clear if the invitation means that Trump is looking to take a more diplomatic approach to the relationship with China after a campaign marked by threats of hiking tariffs. 

Trump has floated the idea of a 60% across-the-board levy on all goods imported from China, which would cover some $400 billion worth of products. 

Free trade supporters have worried this would break a top campaign promise for Trump: to rein in and prevent the record inflation figures seen under the Biden administration.

Lyle Goldstein, Director of Asia Engagement at Defense Priorities think tank, welcomed the news of the invitation, reading it as a sign of being willing to engage.

"The Biden approach was very ideological, you know, the world is black and white." 

"If we go into a new Cold War, the results, I think, will be devastating for both the United States and China," Goldstein added. "I think there is some understanding in the Trump team that the stakes are enormous here."

China, meanwhile, is considering devaluing its currency further in anticipation of Trump's tariffs, according to a Reuters report. 

"People have got to realize that trading with China generally is a good thing. But yeah, we have to. There are some key readjustments that need to take place," said Goldstein.

"I would like to see that take place from readjusting China's currency."