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Catherine Wong

Beijing is courting Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to build closer ties with the United States and lay the groundwork for US President Donald Trump’s upcoming trip to China, analysts say.
They were commenting after US officials said China had invited Trump’s daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law Kushner – both of whom have official jobs in the White House – to visit Beijing later this year.
Details of the trip were not disclosed and are still under discussion, but the officials said the trip could help with preparations for the US president’s visit to China, which is expected in November.
Ivanka Trump brand bids for, wins more trademarks in China
Kushner and Ivanka Trump hosted Terry Branstad, President Trump’s newly appointed ambassador to China, at Trump Hotel in Washington DC over the weekend.
Chinese analysts said the likelihood of Beijing inviting Ivanka Trump and Kushner ahead of Donald Trump’s trip was high, given the couple’s influence over his foreign policy – and in particular, Sino-US relations.

“Jared Kushner played a highly instrumental role in arranging the initial meeting between Xi [Jinping] and Trump [in Florida in April],” said Liu Weidong, an expert on US studies with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, referring to the Mar-a-Lago summit during which the two nations pledged to address trade imbalances and cooperate on North Korea.
“He is also a trusted member in Trump’s inner circle. So it makes sense to send him as a representative to visit China [before Trump’s visit].”
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Liu added that Beijing would continue its efforts to gain access to Trump through the couple, and would be hoping that Kushner’s controversial ties with Russia won’t affect his role in the government.
Kushner, Trump’s senior adviser, has come under increased scrutiny in recent months for his foreign dealings, including reports that he attempted to set up a secret backchannel for communications with Russia during the transition period after the election.

Wu Xinbo, director of the Centre for American Studies at Fudan University, also said a China visit by Kushner and Ivanka Trump would pave the way for the US president’s trip.
“It is possible that Trump may visit China as part of his tour to Asia in November for Apec and the East Asia Summit, but the timing would depend in part on the date of the 19th Party Congress,” Wu said, referring to the key leadership reshuffle in autumn. “So Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s visit is likely to take place in September or early October.”
Kushner says he will co-operate, after FBI investigation of his Russia meetings is revealed
Officials said the invitation came after a verbal offer from Xi during his trip to the Mar-a-Lago resort, and the timing would depend in part on the date of the party congress.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Wednesday at a regular press conference that China and the US had maintained close senior-level communications but did not confirm whether there were plans for the visit.
Additional reporting by Bloomberg


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Donald Trump

Beijing courts Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner to forge closer ties with US, analysts say

Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, who also serves as an adviser, is escorted by Senator Marco Rubio as she arrives at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. Beijing is said to have invited Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner to China. Photo: AP

Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, left, listens during a meeting with technology executives in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, June 19, 2017. Executives from many of the world's largest technology companies gathered at the White House on Monday to meet with President Donald Trump and his senior advisers. The four-hour event was the first major meeting of the American Technology Council, a new group that Trump commissioned in May that is being led by Kushner. Photographer: Zach Gibson/Bloomberg

FILE - In this June 13, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump listens as his daughter, Ivanka Trump, speaks at a workforce development roundtable at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, Wis. Frustrated with her father, liberal advocacy groups are turning some of their focus to first daughter Ivanka Trump. In recent weeks, some activists have tried to pressure Ivanka Trump, appealing for her help on climate change, international labor conditions and immigration. The first daughter, an influential adviser to President Donald Trump in her own right, has sought to stay out of the fray. But the efforts underscore the politically charged position she occupies. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Why rich Chinese are more eager to invest after Kushner family visas-for-sale controversy

US President Donald Trump, with his daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner. Photo: AFP

over 100 wealthy Chinese investors attended the promotition meeting of a EB-5 visa programme linked with Kushner Companies owned by family members of the US president's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Some of them said Kushner is the biggest guarantee and confidence for the success of the project, which will help them immigrate to the U.S. a few years later. Photo: He Hui Feng

Assistant to the president Ivanka Trump speaks with her husband Senior Adviser to the President Jared Kushner during an event celebrating National Military Appreciation Month and National Military Spouse Appreciation Day at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, U.S., May 9, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

JERSEY CITY, NJ - MAY 09: The site of the One Journal Square luxury apartment project stands in Jersey City on May 9, 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey. It has been reported that Nicole Meyer, Jared Kushner's sister, spoke about her brother at a conference for Chinese investors as she looked to persuade the wealthy guests to invest in the $821 million, two-tower project. Kushner Companies is the development firm which was formerly run by presidential adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Jared Kushner: the powerful son-in-law of Donald Trump and his ties with Chinese businesses

Donald Trump, with daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner. Photo: AFP

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2014 file photo, a taxi passes in front of the fabled Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. The State Department will abandon decades of tradition at the annual UN General Assembly this fall by setting up shop in a hotel other than New Yorks famed Waldorf-Astoria, which was purchased last year by a Chinese company. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Warning, low res image! This image may be republished, A combination photo shows Anbang Insurance Group chairman Wu Xiaohui and Vancouver's Bentall Centre, which Anbang is reported to have purchased. Photo: Anbang Insurance / Ivanhoe Cambridge

Kushner family borrowing US$250 million to repay Chinese investors of EB-5 visas

More than 100 Chinese investors attended the promotion meeting of a EB-5 visa programme linked with Kushner Cos, owned by family members of the US president's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Some of them said Kushner is the biggest guarantee and confidence for the success of the project, which will help them immigrate to the U.S. a few years later. Photo: SCMP/He Hui Feng

Beijing courts Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner to forge closer ties with US, analysts say

Possible China trip could pave the way for US president’s upcoming visit