President Jiang Zemin has secured an invitation to meet US President George W. Bush in October at Mr Bush's Texas ranch - one of the most sought after summit locations for world leaders.
Washington government sources confirmed the agreement after a meeting in Brunei on Wednesday between US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan.
Final arrangements for Mr Jiang's trip are still being made but he is expected to travel to the isolated 640-hectare ranch in Crawford shortly before the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum leaders' summit in Mexico in late October.
His stay is likely to be strikingly different in tone from the cautious, business-like visit of his political heir, Vice-President Hu Jintao, in early May.
The ranch invitation has long been sought by Mr Jiang, who is believed to be keen on a colourful US summit as a possible cap to his political career.
As well as providing a wealth of photo-opportunities, a visit to the ranch allows Mr Jiang greater access to Mr Bush at close quarters in his favourite surroundings, and carries with it the suggestion of a strong relationship.