Micah Jonah, March 9, 2026
A planned meeting between United States President, Donald Trump and Chinese President, Xi Jinping later this month is unlikely to produce a major reset in economic relations between the two countries, according to people familiar with preparations for the visit.
Officials in United States and China are instead expected to focus on maintaining stability in ties between the world’s two largest economies following a period of tension over tariffs and trade restrictions.
Sources involved in the preparations said business leaders in the United States have not secured the CEO delegation some had hoped would accompany Trump on the trip. Chinese officials are also said to be seeking stronger protections for Chinese investments abroad, however, there is no indication such measures will be agreed during the visit.
Trump is expected to travel to China between March 31 and April 2, although Beijing has not formally confirmed the trip. China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi said discussions between the two sides are ongoing and stressed the need for thorough preparations to manage existing differences.
The summit would mark the first meeting between Trump and Xi since both leaders agreed to a trade truce in October. That agreement followed months of tensions triggered by U.S. tariffs and China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals used in key industries.
Analysts say expectations for the visit have gradually been reduced as planning delays and unresolved disputes limit the scope of possible agreements.
One potential outcome could involve China purchasing hundreds of aircraft from Boeing, though negotiations are still ongoing and any deal could require concessions from the United States.
Tariffs also remain a sensitive issue. A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a 10 percent tariff previously imposed by the Trump administration on China under emergency authority, though U.S. officials have indicated the levy could be reinstated under different legislation.
Despite these challenges, officials say main objective of the summit is to keep bilateral relations stable, ensure both sides continue to meet commitments under the existing trade agreement.
