Xi reportedly plans large Chinese CEO delegation for Washington summit
The proposed delegation would signal support for investment and commercial ties, but its membership and role remain unclear and major breakthroughs are not expected.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly preparing to bring a large delegation of business executives to a 24 September summit in Washington, according to two sources cited by Reuters.
The proposed delegation would partly signal China’s willingness to support US investment and commercial ties. Reuters could not establish which executives would attend, while the White House said it was not tracking a Chinese CEO delegation. The meaning of that statement was not explained.
Xi rarely travels overseas with corporate executives. His last sizeable US business contingent was in 2015, when Chinese business leaders accompanied him during a visit that included a $38 billion agreement for 300 Boeing aircraft.
The move comes as Chinese companies face increased scrutiny in the US, including investment restrictions, technology blacklisting, measures affecting TikTok and tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The two countries established formal mechanisms in May to manage trade and investment ties.
Expectations for major summit breakthroughs remain modest. Reported areas of discussion include trade, rare-earth export licences, agriculture and non-tariff barriers. US and Chinese officials are expected to hold preparatory talks in early September, although Reuters could not establish the exact date or location.
The delegation has not been confirmed, and its size, membership, itinerary and formal role remain unknown.
