U.S. Senator Steve Daines is anticipated to return to China for further discussions as preparations continue for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Washington in September, according to individuals familiar with the matter. The upcoming trip aims to help finalize the agenda for what both sides hope will be a significant summit between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Daines, a Republican from Montana, has increasingly played a key role as an informal backchannel between Washington and Beijing. He previously visited Beijing in May amid efforts to stabilize bilateral relations ahead of Trump’s visit to China later that month. Sources noted that Daines has been conveying messages between the two governments on sensitive issues expected to shape the leaders’ forthcoming meeting.

“Both sides understand his role very well,” one source said, describing Daines as an effective intermediary who communicates President Trump’s concerns to the Chinese leadership and relays Beijing’s positions to Washington.

Key topics anticipated to dominate the summit agenda include ongoing trade tensions, the five-year conflict in Ukraine, Taiwan’s status, and Iran. Taiwan remains the most sensitive issue, with Beijing viewing the island as a breakaway province it seeks to reunify by force if necessary. The United States, while not recognizing Taiwan as an independent state, opposes any attempts to alter its status through military means and continues to provide defensive weaponry to the island.

Officials involved in the planning indicated that both governments believe prior understandings on Iran reached during earlier high-level meetings require reassessment due to changes in regional dynamics. Behind the scenes, preparations for Xi’s state visit to Washington have reportedly progressed smoothly, with open communication channels maintained between both parties.

Recent diplomatic activity includes phone discussions between top financial officials and a rare appearance by a senior Pentagon representative at a Chinese embassy event in Washington, signaling enhanced military communication. The current plan envisions President Trump hosting Xi for a formal state banquet. In addition to a larger bilateral meeting with senior officials, the leaders are expected to hold a more intimate session involving key strategists to focus on sensitive matters.

It remains uncertain whether Xi will also visit New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, which overlaps with the planned Washington visit from September 22 to 28. One source indicated Xi is increasingly unlikely to include New York in his itinerary, opting instead to remain primarily in Washington. This decision reportedly reflects the fact that the UN session marks its 81st, rather than a landmark anniversary, decreasing the diplomatic incentive for a separate stop. Comparatively, Trump’s visit to China was limited to Beijing without additional cities.

However, another source cautioned that plans are still fluid, noting multiple unresolved issues. The source highlighted Beijing’s dissatisfaction with recent U.S. trade actions and stressed the need to carefully manage tensions to prevent disruptions to the summit. On Thursday, Chinese officials expressed “serious concern” regarding new U.S. economic restrictions during a videoconference involving Vice Premier He Lifeng, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Trade Representative Jameson Greer.

Complicating any potential New York visit are heightened security concerns following a self-immolation by a Tibetan activist in early July, a source noted, which has made arrangements for a presidential visit more challenging. As preparations enter their final phases, both sides appear focused on maintaining open dialogue to ensure the summit proceeds as planned.