China's leader may visit US in 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping may make a return visit to the US in 2026 following US President Donald Trump's proposed trip to China, Report informs referring to the South China Morning Post.

The development comes on the heels of the fourth round of trade talks between the two sides in Spain and ahead of a phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

Trump described the talks in Madrid as a success, with both sides reaching a framework deal on the popular Chinese social media app TikTok. They also discussed critical minerals and fentanyl, among other issues, the Post was told.

Two sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations said "significant progress" had been made and both sides were finalising the details.

"There are a few small loose ends. But the major blocks are already resolved. Things are taking shape," said one source, who declined to be named due to the sensitive nature of the talks.

"The deliverables may include a new deal to purchase US goods," the source said, adding that Boeing aircraft were "very likely" on the list.

The source confirmed that China sent a formal state visit invitation to Trump in the first week of September, which usually indicates a state visit is "more or less confirmed" and that planning is in a "very advanced stage."

"The official invitation is like the sound of a starting pistol in a 100-metre race, with the end in sight," the source said.

"There is strong political will from both sides to make it happen. Both sides want to present this major diplomatic event as a big win for their domestic audiences."

Another source said that apart from visiting Beijing, the Chinese side has proposed that Trump take a ride on China's high-speed rail system to a second city - most likely Shanghai - during the trip.

"Ultimately, President Trump has the final say on where he wants to go and what he wants to do in China. He seems to be quite excited about the visit personally, but he's got to listen to his team too," one source said.

Trump's China visit would open the door for Xi to reciprocate with a US visit next year, the sources said.

Both sources said the trip would likely be scheduled "around the Apec summit", which will be held in South Korea from October 31 to November 1.

The Post has learned that the US side has pushed for Beijing to buy American goods as a key deliverable that could be announced during Trump's visit.