Exclusive | Xi-Trump call suggests ties are warming – timing of a meeting is another thing

The bilateral relationship seems to have improved following a phone call between Xi and Trump

on June 5. The US president later said he had received an invitation to visit China, which he then reciprocated.

“He invited me to China, and I invited him here. We both accepted, so I’ll be going there with the first lady at a certain point, and he’ll be coming here, hopefully with the first lady of China,” Trump told reporters that day.

Observers in Washington believe a visit would significantly stabilise one of the most critical bilateral relationships in the world. Such trips typically require months of preparation, making the United Nations General Assembly in September the most convenient opportunity.

It would be ideal for Xi to speak in person to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, an organisation China has staunchly supported. However, several diplomatic sources told the South China Morning Post this was unlikely.

“The No. 2 will go to the UN,” said a source in Beijing who had been briefed on the arrangements, referring to the premier. Two other sources also told the Post that Li would attend on Xi’s behalf.