Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to begin his visit to the United States on September 23, accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan. This marks Xi's first state visit to the U.S. in 11 years since 2015. During the trip, he is expected to hold talks with President Donald Trump to discuss key issues including trade, tariffs, rare earth elements, artificial intelligence (AI), and Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has officially announced that the visit will take place from September 23 to 25.
Xi is anticipated to depart Beijing on a private jet in the afternoon, around 2 p.m. Korean time, or 1 p.m. local time. According to the U.S. schedule, the couple is expected to arrive at Andrews Joint Base in Maryland on September 23 at 4 p.m. local time, where President Trump will personally greet them. This translates to 5 a.m. on September 24 in Korea.
Key figures from China's foreign and economic sectors are expected to accompany Xi. Among them are Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, Wang Yi, Politburo member and Foreign Minister, He Lifeng, Vice Premier, and Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce. Notably, Vice Premier He Lifeng arrived in the U.S. on September 20 to engage in trade negotiations with Treasury Secretary Scott Pruitt.
There is also interest in whether a delegation of Chinese business leaders will join the visit. Reuters previously reported that executives from companies such as BYD, CATL, Xiaomi, Guoxuan High-Tech, Hisense, Bank of China, and COFCO might accompany Xi. Reports have indicated that BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu is among those being considered. Bloomberg also noted that Chinese authorities are reviewing the possibility of Wang's participation. However, The Wall Street Journal reported on September 22 that Chinese business leaders may not travel in large numbers with Xi. The Chinese government has not yet officially announced the participation of business leaders.
There is also speculation about whether Chinese entrepreneurs in the AI sector will accompany Xi. While AI is expected to be a major topic during the summit, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post reported on September 23 that Chinese AI entrepreneurs are unlikely to be included in the official delegation due to ongoing U.S. technology restrictions. Experts cited by SCMP explained that China may refrain from sending founders from companies like DeepMind or Moonshot AI to protect AI talent.
On the first day of their visit, Xi and his wife are expected to conclude their schedule with their arrival at Andrews Joint Base and the welcoming ceremony. On the second day, September 24, an official welcome ceremony at the White House, a U.S.-China summit, and a state dinner are planned. On the third day, September 25, the couple will have tea with President Trump at the White House before visiting the National Archives, concluding their U.S. visit.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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