Trump Suggests Possible Date for Xi's Visit to US

US President Donald Trump on Monday, July 6, named a potential date for Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to the United States. According to Bloomberg, Trump suggested the visit could take place on September 24, which aligns with the UN General Assembly session in New York.

Trump made the remark during a discussion about constructing a new ballroom at the White House. He cited the visit as one reason for the new building. "President Xi will come here, I think, towards the end of September, on the 24th. We need a big ballroom so we can accommodate thousands of people who want to see him. Everyone wants to see him," Trump said.

Trump is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 22 and typically spends several nights in New York meeting other world leaders. Xi has attended the event only once since taking office in 2012.

Although Trump had previously expressed hope to host Xi in September, no specific date had been mentioned. The two leaders met in May during a summit in Beijing.

The ballroom project has been controversial. Initially estimated at $200 million, the cost has escalated to $400 million according to Trump's latest assessment. The project involves demolishing the White House's East Wing, which Trump has already done. On April 1, a court ordered a halt to construction, but days later a federal planning commission approved Trump's plans, stating that the court's ruling does not affect the review process.