Executives from BYD, CATL, Xiaomi May Join Xi’s Washington Visit, Reuters Reports
September 18, 2026 - 11:14 am
Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Washington on September 24 for a state visit, potentially accompanied by executives from some of China's largest manufacturers, according to Reuters.
The report, citing three unnamed sources, suggests seven companies under consideration for the delegation include:
- BYD (carmaker)
- CATL and Gotion (battery manufacturers)
- Xiaomi (phone and electric vehicle firm)
- Hisense (consumer electronics)
- Wanxiang (auto parts)
- Bank of China
These companies are expected to attend a White House state dinner, though the final list has not been confirmed and invitations have yet to be sent.
The South China Morning Post previously reported that BYD, Xiaomi, Zhongji Innolight, and Bank of China were expected to travel, based on information from two sources.
The agenda for the visit reportedly includes discussions about:
- A Board of Trade agreement
- Licenses for the export of rare earths to American companies
- Extending the trade truce obtained in October
These points depend on a meeting between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
While a guest list for a state dinner usually includes names, The White House has declined to organize a roundtable meeting between US and Chinese CEOs, and no meetings with think-tanks or business groups are currently scheduled.
It's worth noting that:
- CATL and BYD are on the Pentagon’s list of Chinese military companies.
- Gotion faces a legal dispute with Michigan officials over a battery plant.
- Wanxiang settled customs violations for $53 million.
- Chinese electric vehicles already face US tariffs, making these companies prime candidates for the dinner despite the potential conflict.