BYD, CATL, Xiaomi executives may join Xi's US visit, sources say

• Companies under consideration face significant U.S. barriers: CATL and BYD are on Pentagon lists over alleged military links, while a Biden-era rule will bar China-linked connected vehicle manufacturers from U.S. sales starting model year 2027, with 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs
• China seeks reciprocity after Trump brought U.S. CEOs (Micron, Qualcomm, Illumina) to Beijing in May; the Chinese delegation is expected to be similar in size and executives will attend a White House state dinner
• Final invitations and U.S. visas are expected within days pending a weekend meeting between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, with modest expectations for summit outcomes

Summary: Chinese Business Leaders May Join Xi's Washington Visit

Key Development: Washington and Beijing are finalizing a Chinese business delegation to accompany President Xi Jinping's September 24 visit to Washington, with executives expected to attend a White House state dinner.

Companies Under Consideration:

• EV sector: BYD, CATL, Gotion, Xiaomi (smartphone maker expanding into EVs)
• Other firms: Hisense (consumer electronics), Wanxiang Group (auto parts), Bank of China

Strategic Context: The move is unusual given tensions over Chinese investment and represents Beijing seeking reciprocity after President Trump's May Beijing visit, which included CEOs from Micron, Qualcomm, and Illumina. China's delegation is expected to match Trump's in size.

US Market Challenges: Many potential delegation members face significant US regulatory hurdles:

• BYD and CATL were added to Pentagon lists (January 2025 and June 2026) over alleged military links
• Biden-era rules will ban China-linked manufacturers from selling connected vehicles from model year 2027
• 100% tariffs imposed on Chinese EVs
• Gotion is suing Michigan officials over a blocked $2.36 billion plant
• Wanxiang paid over $53 million to resolve customs and anti-dumping duties case

Summit Objectives: Washington seeks agreement on a Board of Trade, additional rare-earth export licenses, and extending previous accords. Expectations for substantive outcomes remain modest.

Timeline: Final invitations and US visas expected within days, pending confirmation at a weekend meeting between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.