"This is highly sought-after attendance. I have told many of my close friends that they cannot come to the state dinner," US President Donald Trump told reporters on 18/9.
According to the US President, the White House banquet hall has space for "around 125 people, while thousands wish to attend." He also expressed regret that the ballroom planned for construction at the White House is not yet complete, as it could accommodate up to 2,000 guests.
President Trump expressed his expectation for "a very good meeting" with Xi. When asked if the two leaders would discuss an agreement related to AI safety, the head of the White House said both sides plan to reach "many agreements," but did not provide details.
"We will have some very important meetings," he emphasized.
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US President Donald Trump (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in May. Photo: AFP
Xi's visit to the US is scheduled for next week, with leaders of the two nations holding talks on 24/9. One unnamed US official said Trump would offer Xi a rare special reception protocol when the Chinese President arrives in Washington, by personally greeting him at the airport.
According to Reuters, Washington and Beijing are finalizing the list of Chinese business delegates accompanying Xi on the visit. Those familiar with the plans indicated that leaders from companies such as electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, battery makers Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) and Gotion, smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi, electronics producer Hisense, automotive component supplier Wanxiang, Bank of China, and state-owned agricultural conglomerate COFCO are among those being considered.
The list has not yet been finalized. Chinese business leaders selected to join the visit will attend the state dinner at the White House.
Preparations for the state dinner at the White House were shared by the US First Lady on 17/9. Video: X/Melania Trump
On the US side, Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, and Apple board chairman Tim Cook are expected to attend, according to ABC News. The White House has not confirmed the guest list.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York on 20/9 to discuss potential economic outcomes from the summit between the two nations' leaders, and to initiate preparatory dialogues on artificial intelligence (AI) safety and governance.
According to sources, Beijing previously proposed organizing a roundtable meeting between US and Chinese business chief executives during Xi's visit, but the White House rejected the idea.
Huyen Le (According to SCMP, Reuters, ABC News)
