Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on September 21.

"At the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, President Xi Jinping will pay a visit to the United States," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a regular briefing. "During the visit, President Xi will have an in-depth exchange of views with President Trump on major issues concerning China-U.S. relations and world peace and development."

"Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic guiding role in China-U.S. relations," Guo said, adding that "the realization of mutual visits by the heads of state of China and the U.S. within half a year carries historical and milestone significance."

"China is willing to work with the United States to enrich the substance of the 'China-U.S. constructive strategic stability relationship,' strengthen dialogue and cooperation, and properly manage differences," Guo added, noting the intent to "constantly enhance the well-being of the two peoples and promote world peace, stability, and prosperity."

This will be President Xi's first state visit to the United States in 11 years, since September 2015 during the administration of former President Barack Obama.

He also visited the U.S. in 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2023, but his only state visit was in 2015.

During his state visit 11 years ago, when global competition between the U.S. and China was intensifying, President Xi expressed confidence as an "emerging superpower" looking to challenge the United States, the world's sole superpower.

Starting his itinerary in Seattle, he used the metaphorical expression that things should not be viewed through "colored glasses" to criticize U.S. containment of China. In Washington, D.C., meeting with President Obama, he locked horns over issues including the South China Sea, human rights, religious freedom, and Tibet.

However, targeting North Korea, President Xi issued a warning message opposing actions that create tension on the Korean Peninsula or violate UN Security Council resolutions, aligning his North Korea policy with President Obama, who refused to recognize North Korea's status as a nuclear-armed state. The two leaders also agreed to cooperate on agendas such as the Iran nuclear issue, joint response to climate change, and expanding economic and trade exchanges.

The 11-year gap is reflected in how President Xi advocated for a "new model of major-country relationship" focused on "cooperation" during his 2015 visit, whereas this year he is putting forward a "constructive strategic stability relationship" focused on "preventing conflict." Similarly, while the two countries discussed "preventing Chinese cyber hacking" back then, this year they are taking up "artificial intelligence (AI) safety" as an agenda item.

At the Foreign Ministry briefing on this day, questions followed regarding rare earths, which have emerged as China's new leverage against the U.S. and a major agenda item for the upcoming U.S.-China summit.

Regarding the U.S. perception that China has not fully implemented rare earth-related agreements reached during trade negotiations, Spokesperson Guo did not give a direct answer, stating, "China has strived to safeguard the stability and security of global supply chains for critical minerals. China and the U.S. should earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state to safeguard the momentum of stable development in China-U.S. economic and trade relations."

Guo also reaffirmed a firm stance regarding U.S. demands reportedly urging China to ease export restrictions on rare earths to Japan.

"In accordance with regulations, China has banned the export of all dual-use items (materials that can be used for both civilian and military purposes) for Japan's military use and any exports that contribute to the enhancement of Japan's military capabilities, with the purpose of deterring Japan's remilitarization and nuclear ambitions," Guo said. "China's stance of safeguarding the stability and security of global supply chains for critical minerals remains unchanged, and all parties have a responsibility to play a constructive role to this end."

With the one-year grace period for China's export control measures on items including rare earths—announced around the time of the summit in Busan last year—approaching its expiration on November 10, Guo avoided answering a question on whether the grace period would be further extended, saying, "Please inquire with China's competent authorities."

(Photo: Getty Images)