Chinese President Xi Jinping is preparing to bring a large delegation of Chinese business leaders to Washington during his planned September 24 visit, in a move that could signal Beijing’s desire to strengthen commercial ties with the United States despite persistent trade and technology tensions.
According to sources familiar with the preparations, the delegation is expected to include senior executives from major Chinese companies. The final list has not yet been disclosed, and the size and composition of the group could still change.
The inclusion of prominent corporate leaders would be notable because relations between Washington and Beijing remain strained over tariffs, technology restrictions, investment rules and access to critical materials. Both governments have nevertheless established mechanisms aimed at managing trade disputes and keeping economic ties from deteriorating further.
Xi’s planned visit comes as the two countries seek concrete outcomes from renewed economic negotiations. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington expects possible announcements on agriculture and non-tariff trade barriers during the visit, while emphasizing that the objective is to manage the bilateral relationship rather than immediately conclude a comprehensive trade agreement.
For Beijing, bringing business leaders could provide an opportunity to demonstrate that Chinese companies remain interested in the American market and that commercial cooperation can continue despite geopolitical disagreements. It could also give Chinese executives direct access to U.S. policymakers and corporate counterparts.
The move would echo Xi’s 2015 U.S. visit, when his delegation included high-profile Chinese technology executives such as Alibaba founder Jack Ma and Tencent’s Pony Ma.
However, expectations for a major breakthrough remain cautious. The two sides continue to disagree over tariffs, technology controls and what goods should be considered sensitive. Washington is pressing Beijing over issues including rare-earth exports, while China is seeking greater tariff relief and improved market access.
The business delegation also comes at a sensitive moment for global companies operating between the two economies. Chinese rare-earth suppliers have recently halted some U.S.-bound shipments because of concerns over geopolitical repercussions and increasingly complicated export controls.
Xi’s September 24 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump will therefore be closely watched by global investors and businesses. Beyond any potential agreements, the presence of Chinese corporate leaders could serve as an important signal about whether the world’s two largest economies can stabilize their commercial relationship while broader strategic tensions continue.
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