Modest expectations for Xi Jinping's September visit to Washington

President Xi Jinping will make his maiden state visit to the United States in September, Chinese officials announced after Xi called on Washington to respect Beijing’s core interests in a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Barack Obama.

Observers said the trip was an attempt by both nations to take stock of their relationship and prevent it from further deteriorating over Obama’s remaining term in office.

Xi visited the US in June 2013 for talks with Obama at the Sunnylands retreat in California but has yet to make a formal visit to Washington since becoming president about two years ago.

A statement on the website of the foreign ministry said Xi had accepted Obama’s invitation for a state visit in September, when he will attend events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.

Xi called on both nations to step up cooperation in such areas as the economy, military, energy, environmental protection, infrastructure and law enforcement.

He added that “both nations should respect and take care of the core interest and key concerns of each other”, saying the US should avoid causing an unnecessary disturbance to ties.

The invitation is a step by Washington to increase economic, security and diplomatic engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. Japanese and US officials are also arranging for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to go to the US in the spring.