President Donald Trump formally invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the White House this September [1].
The invitation marks a high-profile effort to strengthen bilateral ties between the two largest economies, a move that could signal a shift in diplomatic engagement.
The invitation took place on Thursday, May 14, 2026 [2], during a state banquet held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing [3]. President Xi was accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan [4]. Trump said a "special relationship" with China was the primary driver for the proposed meeting [5].
While several reports indicate a general September timeframe, some sources specify the proposed date for the White House visit as September 24, 2026 [1].
"Thank you again, President Xi, for this beautiful welcome," Trump said [6].
The meeting in Beijing served as the backdrop for the invitation, with both leaders focusing on the current state of U.S.-China relations. The state banquet provided the formal setting for the U.S. president to extend the offer for a reciprocal visit to Washington later this year [2].
Trump said he sought to strengthen the ties between the two nations through this upcoming visit. The proposed September meeting would be the first formal invitation of its kind during this specific diplomatic cycle [5].
“Trump formally invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the White House this September.”
The invitation suggests a strategic pivot toward personal diplomacy to manage tensions between Washington and Beijing. By proposing a specific date in September, the U.S. administration is attempting to establish a concrete timeline for high-level negotiations, potentially aiming to resolve trade or security disputes before the end of the calendar year.
