A face-to-face meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to take place in the early part of 2026, according to comments from U.S. Ambassador Kurt Tong. The announcement follows continued diplomatic engagements and a recent phone call between the two leaders.

The upcoming meeting is expected to occur after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, where Trump has stated he will meet Xi “on the sidelines.” Tong’s statements suggest this formal visit to China aims to build on recent progress in resolving contentious issues including trade, TikTok’s regulatory status, and geopolitical tensions.

While the timeline remains tentative, both sides appear willing to engage in high-level discussions. Trump has indicated that Xi will visit the United States “at an appropriate time,” underscoring reciprocity in diplomatic gestures. Observers note that such a meeting could help ease tensions over technology export restrictions, supply chain policies, and China’s stance on Taiwan.

Diplomatic officials emphasize that preparation will be crucial. Topics likely high on the agenda include trade imbalances, national security concerns, regulatory oversight (notably related to TikTok), and ongoing global issues such as climate cooperation and regional stability.

A successful meeting would mark the most prominent in-person interaction between Trump and Xi since 2019, offering both leaders a platform to reset or reaffirm ties amid strained relations.