Chinese state media stresses stability to set the tone for Xi-Trump summit

When Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, a senior Chinese delegation will be present at the table in Beijing's stead. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed Xi's state visit, which marks his first to the United States since 2015 and his second meeting with Trump this year.

Xi's inner circle is expected to include Cai Qi, the Chinese leader's chief of staff and a Politburo Standing Committee member. Cai oversees Chinese administrative and security coordination, often seated beside Xi at high-profile summits. Tang Fangyu, newly appointed director of the Central Policy Research Office, is also likely to attend, following the precedent set by his predecessors. Lu Luhua, a top personal secretary to Xi responsible for foreign affairs, will likely accompany Xi during the visit.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will certainly lead Beijing's diplomatic efforts, joined by key envoys such as Ma Zhaoxu, executive vice-minister of foreign affairs; Xie Feng, China's ambassador to the US; Hong Lei, protocol chief at the Chinese foreign ministry; and Cai Wei, assistant minister of foreign affairs.

Economic officials from China will join the delegation to assist in navigating trade negotiations, technology controls, fiscal alignments, and other economic matters. Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng will anchor the country's economic team, followed by Zheng Shanjie, chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Finance Minister Lan Foan, who oversee bilateral trade and financial policies.

The military aspect is also a consideration, with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun potentially joining the delegation as Beijing's liaison for military talks. Dong was present at the Chinese table during Trump's visit to Beijing in May, representing China alongside US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.