• Donald Trump has been invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit China, signaling a potential diplomatic reset.
  • Discussions are underway for a possible autumn 2025 summit, coinciding with APEC or a WWII commemoration event.
  • The invitation follows last month's rare earths and tech export deal, easing tensions after Trump's earlier tariff threats.

A Strategic Reengagement

Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended an invitation to former US President Donald Trump to visit China, according to people familiar with the matter. The offer came during a June 2025 phone call where both leaders discussed the recent trade agreement relaxing restrictions on critical minerals and technology exports.

Plans are being explored for Trump to potentially visit before or during October's APEC summit in South Korea, though no itinerary has been finalized. Beijing has also floated the idea of Trump attending September's World War II anniversary ceremonies, seen as an opportunity to showcase great power diplomacy.

Economic Stabilization Efforts

The outreach follows last month's breakthrough trade deal that rolled back some tariffs and export controls, providing relief to businesses on both sides. Market analysts note the agreement has helped stabilize supply chains for semiconductors and electric vehicle components after months of uncertainty.

"This is classic crisis management," said one Asia-focused strategist who requested anonymity due to client sensitivities. "Both economies need breathing room - the US on inflation, China on growth - so they're parking the bigger strategic disputes for now."

Complex Diplomatic Calculus

Sources indicate Xi may be pursuing an even more ambitious diplomatic play: a potential trilateral summit with Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Kremlin officials have confirmed preliminary discussions, they stress any meeting would require careful preparation and Trump's explicit commitment.

Notably absent from recent communications are mentions of traditional flashpoints like Taiwan or Ukraine, suggesting both sides are prioritizing economic confidence-building measures. State Department officials declined to comment on the record about summit planning, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi appears to have paved the way for higher-level engagement.

Correction: An earlier version misstated the month of the APEC summit. It occurs October 30-November 1.