Executives from electric-vehicle maker BYD, consumer electronics company Xiaomi, and optical-component manufacturer Zhongji Innolight are likely to accompany Chinese President Xi Jinping on his state visit to Washington next week. The reported lineup suggests the trip could produce new Chinese investment commitments in the United States.

Why Xi Jinping Is Going to Washington

Xi is scheduled to begin his visit to the United States on September 24 for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Chinese government has not officially confirmed the itinerary, but Trump has said repeatedly that Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, will arrive on the 24th.

Chinese officials have drawn up a likely guest list for the trip, modeled on the American CEO group that flew to Beijing with Trump in May. That delegation included Tesla's Elon Musk, Apple's Tim Cook and Nvidia's Jensen Huang. Beijing's counterpart spans companies across technology, finance, electric vehicles and aerospace, with executives from BYD, Xiaomi and Zhongji Innolight expected to take part. The Bank of China may also join the delegation.

BYD is one of the world's largest electric-vehicle makers, Xiaomi ranks among the top global smartphone vendors, and Zhongji Innolight is a leading supplier of the optical modules used to network AI data centers. The mix offers a read on which sectors Beijing is prioritizing, and with the itinerary still unconfirmed, the final lineup — and any investment announcements attached to it — remains the biggest open question heading into the visit.

The reported selection criteria took into account whether a firm is in active talks with the U.S. over possible deals, its loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party, and whether its presence might pull attention away from Xi's agenda.

Why BYD Is a Controversial Addition

The potential inclusion of BYD founder Wang Chuanfu would carry a measure of controversy, given the heavy tariffs the United States has imposed on Chinese electric vehicles. At an effective tax rate above 100%, Chinese carmakers are largely locked out of the American passenger market.

In June, BYD was additionally placed on the U.S. Department of Defense's list of "Chinese military companies" over alleged ties to the People's Liberation Army.

Speaking about Chinese EVs in a Fox News interview, Trump said that if Chinese EV makers came to the U.S. and built their cars there, they could be allowed back into the market. BYD already operates an electric bus plant in California, and further investment commitments could set up additional local production.

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin has called a potential deal a "strategic mistake" in a post on X, warning that it would threaten the 1.2 million jobs tied to her state's auto industry.

Who Else Is Expected at the Summit

The summit is also drawing American AI leaders. Trump officials are considering hosting a meeting with technology and AI executives on the sidelines of Xi's visit, though nothing has been scheduled and Xi is not currently expected to take part.

Chris Lehane of OpenAI confirmed that Sam Altman will be in attendance, and Nvidia's Jensen Huang is also expected at the state dinner Trump will host.

AI has become a central point of friction between the two sides. Reports indicate U.S. researchers have asked companies to slow the pace of development — a concern Trump has dismissed as a "hoax." Beijing, for its part, views talks about slowing down as an attempt to stall its own progress.