Media: Trump’s China visit paves way for Xi Jinping’s US trip

China and the United States are in the “final stage” of negotiations for a state visit to Beijing by US President Donald Trump, with bulk purchases of American goods expected to be a central element of the agreement.

This potential visit would mark the first by an American president to China since 2017 and follows recent trade talks in Spain and a planned call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, South China Morning Post reports.

Trump described the Madrid talks as successful, noting both sides reached a framework deal on the Chinese social media app TikTok, and discussed critical minerals and fentanyl. Sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed that “significant progress” has been made, with most major obstacles resolved. “The deliverables may include a new deal to purchase US goods,” one source said, adding that Boeing aircraft were “very likely” on the list.

China formally invited Trump in early September, signaling that the state visit is “more or less confirmed” and in an “advanced stage” of planning. “The official invitation is like the sound of a starting pistol in a 100-metre race, with the end in sight,” the source noted. The Chinese side also proposed that Trump travel by high-speed rail to a second city, likely Shanghai, showcasing the country’s technological achievements.

Importantly, Trump’s visit is expected to pave the way for President Xi Jinping to reciprocate with a visit to the US next year, likely timed around the APEC summit in South Korea from October 31 to November 1. This exchange would mark a significant diplomatic milestone in easing bilateral tensions.

The US is also pushing for China to make major purchases of American goods during Trump’s visit, including a potential deal for 500 Boeing commercial jets, the first significant purchase since Trump’s last term. Soybean imports from the US are also a priority, as Chinese imports from the US have declined sharply since 2016.

Diplomatic engagements have been active this week, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who emphasized the need to manage differences and promote stability. Similarly, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reassured Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun that Washington does not seek regime change or “strangulation” of Beijing, indicating cautious progress in bilateral relations.

By Vafa Guliyeva