China confirms Xi’s US visit after unverified health rumours
China says Xi Jinping and Donald Trump will discuss bilateral ties and global issues, after days of unverified rumours about Xi’s health.
- China's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that President Xi Jinping will visit the United States from September 23-25, 2026, for talks with President Donald Trump.
- The announcement of the visit follows recent, unverified social media rumors that Xi had suffered a stroke.
- Chinese authorities have not officially commented on the health allegations, and the statement confirming the U.S. visit did not mention Xi's health.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, 2026, for talks with President Donald Trump, China’s Foreign Ministry announced on September 21. The ministry said Xi would travel at Trump’s invitation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Xi and Trump would hold in-depth discussions on major issues concerning China–US relations, world peace and development during the three-day visit.
Unverified health rumours preceded Xi visit announcement
China’s announcement came days after unverified claims circulated on social media that Xi had suffered a stroke. The allegation, circulated on X by Wanjun Xie, was not supported by independently verifiable medical evidence, hospital statements or official documentation.
Chinese authorities had not publicly commented on the rumours, Indonesian news outlet Sindonews reported on September 18. China’s September 21 visit announcement specified the travel dates and Trump’s invitation but contained no statement about Xi’s health.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs separately warned on September 17 against social-media posts claiming that several leaders had fallen ill after attending the New Delhi summit. The ministry described the posts as malicious, although its warning did not specifically name Xi, according to ABP Live.
China highlights reciprocal Xi–Trump visits within six months
Guo described reciprocal visits by the Chinese and US leaders within a six-month period as “a historic event and a milestone of great significance”. Guo said China was prepared to work with the United States to strengthen cooperation while managing their differences.
“China is ready to work with the United States to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, properly manage differences, continuously improve the well-being of the people of both countries, and promote peace, stability and prosperity around the world,” Guo said.
