The two‑day summit follows preparatory talks in New York on Sept. 20, where Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice‑Premier He Lifeng discussed possible agreements on artificial‑intelligence safeguards and the exchange of non‑sensitive goods.
Analysts note that Xi appears uninterested in securing new concessions, preferring instead to extend the existing trade truce that has helped avert a major shock to the global economy since its inception last year.
Trump’s agenda is constrained by a costly war with Iran that has eroded his domestic approval ratings, while China enjoys a booming export sector, with its global trade surplus on track to exceed US$1 trillion for a second consecutive year.
A delegation of Chinese business leaders is expected to accompany Xi, potentially including firms under U.S. regulatory scrutiny that are seeking greater market access.
Taiwan is likely to surface in the talks. In a May meeting in Beijing, Xi repeatedly questioned Trump about U.S. arms sales to the island, and Trump has described a pending US$14 billion weapons package for Taiwan as a “negotiating chip” with China.
U.S. officials hope Xi might use his influence to pressure Iran to end the conflict, but Beijing has denied reports that it is facilitating a sanctions‑evasion scheme that moves billions of dollars of Iranian goods through Chinese channels.
Experts say the stability of U.S.–China ties benefits both leaders: Trump can focus on Iran and upcoming midterm elections, while Xi can concentrate on bolstering China’s domestic resilience amid slowing demand and a protracted property crisis.