Chinese CEOs fly to US on own, await invites to Trump’s state dinner for Xi Jinping
A small group of Chinese CEOs holding US visas has arrived in Washington after travelling separately from President Xi Jinping’s official entourage, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. But with the clock ticking and the business optics of the Chinese leader’s White House visit hanging on the final twists of diplomatic negotiations, the executives are still waiting to find out…
A group of Chinese CEOs with US visas arrived separately in Washington from President Xi Jinping’s official delegation, awaiting an invitation to Trump’s state dinner, according to sources. The executives, unlike their American counterparts who traveled with President Trump in May, did not join Xi’s entourage or fly on his aircraft.
The final decision on their attendance was contingent on talks between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, which took place on Wednesday at the World Bank in Washington. Bessent announced an extension of the "Busan arrangement" on trade by two months, leaving the door open for the Chinese executives to attend the state dinner and other events.
However, their presence might be more for optics than substance, as the small delegation is unlikely to make a significant impact. The US focus remains on negotiating the new Board of Investment, while Beijing hopes Chinese CEOs will demonstrate China's corporate and technological strength. Names such as Alibaba, Xiaomi, CATL and BYD are under consideration for the banquet, with American business leaders expected to arrange private gatherings if the executives do not make it to the state dinner.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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