China Will Include Business Leaders in US Visit
Beijing is finalizing a delegation of corporate leaders to accompany President Xi Jinping to Washington for a state dinner.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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China is selecting business executives to join President Xi Jinping for an upcoming visit to Washington. The delegation process follows a US business trip to Beijing in May and aims to establish reciprocity in diplomatic and commercial exchanges.
Why it matters
Beijing hopes the inclusion of corporate leaders will ease tensions surrounding bilateral trade, despite ongoing US regulatory scrutiny and a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.
The US maintains a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and has implemented a ban on connected passenger vehicles from China effective in 2027. Additionally, Wanxiang recently settled a case with the Justice Department for over $53 million.
The players
Xi Jinping
He is the President of China and is scheduled to lead a state visit to Washington.
CATL
This Chinese battery manufacturer was added to a Pentagon list of companies in January 2025.
BYD
This major Chinese electric vehicle producer was added to the Pentagon list in June 2026.
Wanxiang
This company reached a settlement of over $53 million with the Department of Justice in December.
The details
The Chinese commerce ministry is actively reviewing companies for the delegation, including some currently facing Pentagon scrutiny. The White House has notably rejected a proposal for a dedicated US-China CEOs' roundtable event during the summit.
Timeline
January 2025: CATL was added to the Pentagon list.
May 2026: A US business delegation traveled to Beijing.
June 2026: BYD was added to the Pentagon list.
September 2026: China selects members for the upcoming Washington delegation.
2027: A US ban on connected Chinese passenger vehicles begins.
Roadmap
The delegation's visit highlights the ongoing friction in the global automotive supply chain, specifically regarding connected vehicle technologies. Beijing seeks to protect its market share against the Biden-era rule barring China-linked manufacturers from the US market starting in 2027.
The ongoing regulatory environment and high tariffs directly influence the availability and pricing of Chinese-manufactured components in the US market. These diplomatic developments may eventually dictate whether certain connected vehicle brands remain viable for future model years.
The takeaway
Navigating complex trade barriers remains a primary objective for global manufacturers as geopolitical tensions influence future production strategies. Companies continue to balance domestic policy requirements against the pursuit of international cooperation and market access.
Further reading
Explore deeper insights into the international market at /Electric Vehicles.
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Should the US government host business executives from nations currently under heavy US regulatory scrutiny?
