Sources say Chinese vice-minister Ma Zhaoxu will visit Washington next week in a step seen as a temperature test for relations with the US.
Sources familiar with the matter said Ma Zhaoxu, who oversees US-China relations, would be in Washington next week. A stop in Miami, host city of the G20 summit in December, was also likely.
The anonymous sources noted cautious optimism that the engagements could steady ties ahead of the expected September summit between President Xi and US President Donald Trump.
“If Ma’s trip materialises, it will serve as a temperature check on US-China relations, potentially paving the way for positive surprises during President Xi’s visit in September,” said Feng Chucheng, founder and partner of Hutong Research.