U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inauguration in January.

In an interview with Fox News Channel on Thursday, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt, who took office under Trump, confirmed that the invitation was extended to Xi Jinping.

“It's true, yes, and it's an example of President Trump establishing an open dialog with leaders of countries that are not only allies but also our adversaries and competitors,” she said.

“We saw that during his first term as president. He was heavily criticized for that, but it led to world peace. He is willing to talk to anyone and will always put America's interests first,” she added.

Asked whether Xi Jinping responded to the invitation, Leavitt said “that remains to be seen,” adding that inviting foreign dignitaries to the inauguration is “a precedent.”