Chinese Business Leaders May Join Xi's Washington Visit

Chinese Business Delegation Takes Shape

Chinese Business Leaders may join President Xi Jinping during his planned September 24 visit to Washington, as U.S. and Chinese officials finalize a business delegation, according to three sources familiar with the preparations. The group could include executives from companies facing U.S. regulatory scrutiny, while final invitations are expected to be issued in the days before the visit. The State Department is also expected to approve U.S. visas for members of the delegation. The reported plan would place corporate representatives alongside a high-level diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing.

Automotive and Battery Companies Under Consideration

Among the companies under consideration are BYD, Xiaomi, CATL, Gotion, and automotive parts supplier Wanxiang Group. BYD and Xiaomi are involved in electric vehicles, while CATL and Gotion are major battery manufacturers, giving the proposed delegation a significant automotive and energy-technology presence. The list remains subject to change, and the companies had not received final invitations at the time of the report. The inclusion of these businesses would connect the diplomatic visit directly with sectors affected by U.S. market-access and regulatory policies.

Companies Facing U.S. Regulatory Pressure

The potential participation of companies facing U.S. sanctions, blacklists, or other regulatory pressure is a notable feature of the proposed delegation. One source said Xi plans to bring companies facing such measures, while another source said the move would be similar to President Donald Trump bringing executives from U.S. companies facing scrutiny in China during his May trip to Beijing. The executives under consideration are expected to attend a White House state dinner, although the final corporate guest list had not been completed when the report was published.

Market Access Remains a Key Issue

The delegation would arrive as Washington and Beijing continue managing disagreements over trade, investment, technology, and market access. The companies being considered are seeking greater access to the U.S. market, while their possible inclusion also highlights the regulatory barriers confronting Chinese businesses operating or seeking to operate in the country. The automotive sector is particularly relevant because Chinese electric vehicles face substantial U.S. trade restrictions, while battery and component suppliers are also subject to scrutiny. The planned corporate presence therefore places business issues alongside the broader diplomatic agenda.

Trump Signals Openness to Chinese Auto Plants

Trump has said he could be open to Chinese automakers having plants in the United States if they hire American workers. That position provides an important backdrop to the possible participation of BYD and Xiaomi, both of which have expanded beyond their traditional product categories into electric vehicles. The proposed delegation does not by itself establish that any company will receive approval for a U.S. manufacturing project or gain relief from existing restrictions. Instead, the reported invitations indicate that corporate market access could form part of the wider discussion surrounding the September 24 visit.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The possible delegation gives the automotive and battery industries a direct connection to the September 24 U.S.-China engagement, particularly for companies seeking access to the U.S. market while facing regulatory constraints. For BYD, CATL, Xiaomi, Gotion, and Wanxiang Group, participation could provide an opportunity to engage with the broader policy environment, although the reported guest list does not establish any specific commercial agreement or regulatory change. For China and the United States, the business presence also underscores how trade, manufacturing, batteries, and vehicle access remain closely connected to bilateral economic discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chinese companies may join Xi Jinping's Washington visit?
The companies under consideration include BYD, Xiaomi, CATL, Gotion, and Wanxiang Group, although the final delegation had not been confirmed when the report was published. The proposed group could include businesses facing U.S. regulatory scrutiny and seeking greater access to the American market. Executives are expected to attend a White House state dinner if they receive final invitations and U.S. visas. The reported participation does not establish that any company will receive specific regulatory relief, investment approval, or authorization to build a U.S. manufacturing facility.