This Monday, China officially announced that President Xi Jinping will embark on a state visit to the United States from Wednesday through Friday this week, following an invitation from his counterpart, Donald Trump.
The state-run Xinhua news agency delivered the confirmation, which was further elaborated on by Guo Jiakun, the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Guo emphasized that the two leaders will engage in a "profound" exchange of views concerning bilateral issues as well as global peace and development.
Although Washington had previously disclosed the visit, Beijing's confirmation on Monday was the diplomatic step needed to finalize the meeting, which Guo described as having "historic significance" and being a "milestone" in the relationship between the world's two largest powers.
Xi is set to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington on Wednesday, where he will be personally greeted by Trump at the aircraft's stairs—a ceremonial gesture making Xi the first foreign leader to receive such a welcome from Trump since returning to the White House.
The highlight of the visit will take place on Thursday, featuring a formal welcoming ceremony complete with a military review, a private bilateral meeting between the leaders, and a state dinner in the East Room of the White House. The event will be attended by Melania Trump and Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, along with approximately 125 guests, a number limited due to renovations in the presidential residence’s ballroom.
The guest list for the dinner includes some of the most influential figures in technology and finance: Sam Altman (OpenAI), Jensen Huang (Nvidia), Tim Cook (Apple), Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan), Jane Fraser (Citigroup), and David Sacks, former AI chief at the White House.
The visit will conclude on Friday with a joint tour of the U.S. National Archives, where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are housed, as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
This marks the second meeting between Xi and Trump in under four months. The first was Trump's state visit to Beijing in May, the first by a sitting U.S. president to China in nearly nine years. It was during the official banquet on May 14 at the Great Hall of the People that Trump formally extended the invitation to Xi to visit the White House.
The summit is preceded by negotiations held on Sunday in New York between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, which addressed tariffs, artificial intelligence, rare earths, and critical minerals. Chinese state media described these discussions as "sincere, profound, and constructive."
One pressing issue on the table is the current tariff truce between the two nations, in effect since October 2025, which halted tariffs that had escalated to 145% by Washington and 125% by Beijing. This truce is set to expire on November 10, making the summit crucial for potential extension discussions. The agenda also includes the conflicts in Iran, Taiwan, and Ukraine.
Guo Jiakun summarized Beijing's stance with a statement setting the visit's tone: "China is ready to work alongside the United States to enhance the content of a constructive and stable bilateral relationship, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, properly manage differences, and continue to improve the well-being of the peoples of both nations, thereby promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity."
Key Aspects of Xi Jinping's Visit to the United States
What is the significance of Xi Jinping's visit to the United States?
Xi Jinping's visit is considered a historic milestone in the relationship between China and the United States, aiming to enhance dialogue on bilateral issues and global matters such as peace and development.
Who are some of the notable guests attending the state dinner?
The state dinner will feature prominent figures from the technology and finance sectors, including Sam Altman (OpenAI), Jensen Huang (Nvidia), Tim Cook (Apple), Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan), Jane Fraser (Citigroup), and David Sacks.
What are the key issues to be discussed during the summit?
Key issues include the extension of the current tariff truce, and discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, rare earths, critical minerals, and geopolitical tensions in Iran, Taiwan, and Ukraine.