Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Xi Plans Large CEO Delegation for Washington Summit
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, may visit Washington on September 24.
Reports say he wants to bring many Chinese business leaders with him.
This would be unusual because Xi does not often travel abroad with company executives.
China may be trying to show that it wants stronger business ties with the United States.
The White House said it is not tracking a Chinese CEO delegation, so the plans are not confirmed by the U.S. government.
The two countries still disagree about tariffs, investment and which goods are less sensitive.
The United States wants more rare-earth export licenses and progress on a trade mechanism.
China wants more relief from tariffs.
Officials from both countries are expected to discuss possible summit announcements in early September.
Xi Jinping is reportedly preparing a large Chinese business delegation for a planned September 24 summit in Washington, although the White House said it is not tracking such a delegation.
Reuters could not identify the executives expected to attend; Xi last brought a sizeable business contingent to the United States in 2015.
The delegation could signal Beijing’s support for investment and commercial ties while offering the White House potential economic gains ahead of midterm elections.
The summit is expected to yield limited breakthroughs, with the two countries divided over investment, tariffs and which goods qualify as “non-sensitive.”
U.S. priorities include a Board of Trade agreement and more rare-earth export licenses, while China is seeking further tariff relief and discussing reductions covering $30 billion in products.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese business executives, U.S. officials and Chinese officials are involved.
- What
- Xi is reportedly preparing a large business delegation for a planned U.S. visit and summit focused on trade and investment ties.
- When
- The summit is planned for September 24; U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to hold preparatory talks in early September.
- Where
- The planned summit is in Washington, United States; the location of the early-September talks has not been determined.
- Why
- China aims to signal support for investment and commercial ties, while the United States is seeking progress on trade, rare-earth licenses and other bilateral concerns.
China’s Trade and Investment Goals
U.S. Priorities and Reservations
Business delegation
China’s Trade and Investment Goals
Beijing appears to view a large CEO delegation as a signal that China supports investment and commercial ties with the United States.
U.S. Priorities and Reservations
The White House said it was not tracking a Chinese CEO delegation, while Chinese investment and business operations face increased U.S. scrutiny.
Tariffs
China’s Trade and Investment Goals
China is pressing for further tariff relief and has discussed reciprocal reductions covering $30 billion worth of products.
U.S. Priorities and Reservations
U.S. officials are pressing China to comply with an earlier trade agreement and address other bilateral concerns.
Summit deliverables
China’s Trade and Investment Goals
About 10 categories of goods are being discussed for possible “non-sensitive” status, though the list could change.
U.S. Priorities and Reservations
U.S. priorities include reaching a Board of Trade agreement, securing rare-earth export licenses and obtaining announcements on agriculture and non-tariff barriers; sources expect limited results.
- Planned summit
- September 24 in Washington
- Delegation status
- Two sources said Xi is preparing a large business delegation, but the White House said it is not tracking one
- Executives
- Reuters could not determine which Chinese executives would attend
- Previous comparable visit
- Xi last brought a sizeable business contingent to the United States in 2015
- U.S. priorities
- Agreement on a Board of Trade and more rare-earth export licenses for U.S. companies
- China’s position
- Beijing is seeking further tariff relief and has discussed reciprocal reductions covering $30 billion in products
- Expected outcome
- Sources described expectations as modest, with limited prospects for a major breakthrough
- Preparatory talks
- Scott Bessent, Jamieson Greer and He Lifeng are expected to discuss summit deliverables in early September