BYD, CATL, Xiaomi Executives Reportedly Considered for Xi's US Delegation

A group of prominent Chinese business leaders is being finalized to accompany President Xi Jinping on his upcoming visit to Washington, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The potential delegation includes executives from companies at the forefront of the electric vehicle and technology sectors, many of which are currently navigating significant U.S. regulatory and market-access challenges.

High-Stakes Delegation Takes Shape

Among the companies being considered for the delegation are electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, smartphone and EV maker Xiaomi, and battery giants CATL and Gotion, according to multiple sources briefed on the matter. Other potential members include consumer electronics firm Hisense, auto parts supplier Wanxiang Group, and the state-owned Bank of China.

Final invitations are expected to be sent in the coming days, with the U.S. State Department anticipated to approve the necessary visas, one source said. The plans are reportedly pending confirmation following a meeting this weekend between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. BYD declined to comment, while the other companies and Chinese government ministries did not respond to requests for comment.

Navigating US Regulatory Headwinds

The inclusion of these specific companies is notable given the intense scrutiny they face in the United States. The visit occurs against a backdrop of complex trade relations and strategic competition, with several of the firms directly impacted by U.S. policy.

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Key challenges for these Chinese firms include:

• A Biden-era rule set to bar China-linked manufacturers from selling new connected passenger vehicles in the U.S. from model year 2027.
• A 100% tariff currently imposed by Washington on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
• The placement of both CATL and BYD on a Pentagon list of companies with alleged ties to China's military.
• Ongoing legal and political issues, such as a partnership between Ford and CATL that has drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers and a lawsuit by Gotion against a Michigan township over a blocked $2.36 billion plant.

Diplomatic Context and Reciprocity

The move to bring a large business delegation is seen by one source as a reciprocal gesture, mirroring President Trump's May visit to Beijing, which included CEOs from U.S. firms facing pressure in China, such as Micron and Qualcomm. The size of the Chinese delegation is expected to be similar.

The executives are anticipated to attend a White House state dinner, though a Chinese proposal for a U.S.-China CEO roundtable was rejected by the White House, a source said. The dinner is also expected to be attended by U.S. tech leaders including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.