Yet analysts say the Chinese leader is likely holding out for concrete deliverables before agreeing to the high-profile meeting. Trump dramatically escalated the trade war with the world's second-largest economy in April, rolling out sweeping new tariffs that prompted China to respond with its own export duties and other measures.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he may visit China soon for a landmark trip to address simmering trade and security tensions between the superpower rivals. "President Xi has invited me to China,