Full Breakdown
Chinese Premier Li Qiang Urges U.S. Companies to Deepen Presence in China Ahead of Xi’s U.S. Visit
9/2/2026, 1:00:49 AM
Core Event: Meeting with the US-China Business Council
Chinese Premier Li Qiang met a delegation from the US-China Business Council at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The delegation was led by Ryan McInerney, Visa’s chief executive and chair of the council, which represents more than 270 U.S. companies operating in China, including Visa, Medtronic, 3M and Pfizer. During the talks, Li pledged that Beijing would address the “reasonable concerns” of U.S. firms and maintain a fair, competitive market for them.
Background & Context: Trade Talks and an Upcoming Presidential Visit
The meeting comes as Beijing prepares for President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to the United States later this month. It follows recent bilateral trade talks in which both sides sought to implement agreed-upon outcomes. Li framed the current frictions as normal given the scale of U.S.–China trade and emphasized that solutions could be reached through mutual respect and consultation.
Key Figures & Groups
- Li Qiang – Premier of the People’s Republic of China, chief architect of the current economic agenda.
- Ryan McInerney – Chair of the US-China Business Council and CEO of Visa, representing a broad coalition of U.S. firms in China.
- President Xi Jinping – Chinese head of state whose upcoming U.S. trip is expected to shape the bilateral relationship.
- US-China Business Council – Advocacy group for U.S. companies in China, encompassing firms across finance, healthcare, manufacturing and technology.
Official Statements & Responses
Li called on Washington to “take concrete steps” to address issues raised by Beijing and to implement the outcomes of the recent trade talks. He highlighted China’s unique combination of size and growth in smart and green consumption sectors, suggesting that the market offers opportunities that are both large and emerging. Li also noted that any existing frictions could be resolved through dialogue and reciprocal action.
Impact and Outlook
Li’s outreach signals a diplomatic push to reassure U.S. investors ahead of Xi’s U.S. visit, potentially encouraging deeper corporate engagement in China’s expanding consumer markets. The emphasis on “reasonable concerns” and fair competition may set the tone for reciprocal measures from Washington, shaping the next phase of U.S.–China economic relations.
