Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior aides and policy experts during his upcoming visit to Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. This visit marks their second face-to-face encounter this year, as the world’s two largest economies aim to stabilize a relationship strained by disputes over trade, technology, and national security.
Xi’s inner circle is anticipated to include his chief of staff Cai Qi, a Politburo Standing Committee member who manages the president’s administrative affairs and security coordination. Cai, who also serves as first secretary of the Communist Party Secretariat and director of the Central General Office, has consistently been a close aide on Xi’s domestic and foreign trips and has appeared alongside Xi at major summits. In recent years, he has also hosted prominent U.S. figures, including Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman in Beijing.
Another key figure likely to accompany Xi is Tang Fangyu, the newly appointed director of the Central Policy Research Office, which is the party’s principal policy research institution. Lu Luhua, a senior personal secretary to Xi responsible for foreign affairs, is also expected to maintain his traditional role close to the president during the Washington talks.
The diplomatic contingent will be led by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who directs China’s diplomatic efforts alongside several senior officials. Among them is Ma Zhaoxu, executive vice-minister of foreign affairs, who recently traveled to Washington to prepare the groundwork for Xi’s visit. China’s ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, will also be present, acting as a key liaison between the two capitals. Other anticipated officials include Hong Lei, the foreign ministry’s protocol chief, and assistant foreign minister Cai Wei.
Economic and trade issues feature prominently on the agenda, and China’s delegation will include top economic policymakers. Vice Premier He Lifeng, responsible for economic and financial affairs, arrived in Washington ahead of Xi to hold discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Zheng Shanjie, chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), is expected to participate, given the NDRC’s role in shaping China’s macroeconomic strategy and industrial policies. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Finance Minister Lan Fuan, who oversee trade relations and fiscal policy respectively, are also likely to join.
On the military front, Defense Minister Dong Jun may represent China in bilateral defense talks, in an effort to bolster military-to-military ties. Dong previously took part in high-level discussions during Trump’s visit to Beijing in May, meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Together, these officials form a comprehensive and experienced team to support Xi Jinping as he seeks to manage complex, multifaceted issues in the Sino-American relationship during this high-stakes summit.