China prepares bargaining chips for Trump-Xi summit: sources

Several anonymous sources say Chinese government departments are researching potential demands from the US leader and formulating possible concessions for a Trump-Xi summit. China has not formally announced Trump's visit, but its foreign ministry stated the two countries have been in communication about the trip.

Several sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said various Chinese government departments had been told to research and assess the US leader’s potential demands and come up with possible concessions Beijing could put on the table. This preparation is for a potential summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

China has yet to formally announce Trump’s visit, but its foreign ministry has said the two countries have been “in communication” about the trip. The sources highlighted that departments are analyzing likely requests from Trump, such as on trade or Taiwan, though specifics remain undisclosed.

This activity underscores ongoing US-China interactions amid expectations following Trump's election. The South China Morning Post's exclusive report indicates Beijing's proactive approach to Washington's agenda. Keywords include Washington, Alaska, New York, Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, Donald Trump, China, Canada, Evan Greenberg, Taiwan, Cheniere Energy, China National Petroleum Group, Beijing, Munich Security Conference, and National Committee on US-China Relations, but the focus is on summit preparations.

The report was published on February 27, 2026, emphasizing China's diplomatic initiative.

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