China to Expand Boeing Jet Orders Ahead of Xi's Washington Visit

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told a Senate Finance Committee hearing that China could increase its purchase of Boeing aircraft when President Xi Jinping visits Washington in September, building on an earlier agreement for 200 jets signed after President Donald Trump's 2022 Beijing trip. The original 200‑plane deal was confirmed by China’s commerce ministry and is viewed as an initial tranche that could be followed by a larger order.

Boeing’s global services chief, Chris Raymond, said the company is prepared to supply aftermarket parts for the jets, provided the components are allowed for global sale, and noted that Boeing already operates a parts warehouse in China. The Chinese ministry has asked the United States to guarantee supplies of engine parts and other components. While the deal faces broader U.S.–China strategic competition, officials described overall bilateral relations as stable, and the U.S. trade office is consulting on a possible China‑U.S. board of trade to address commercial disputes.

Analysts see the aircraft purchase as a sign of improving commercial ties despite ongoing tensions over critical minerals, semiconductors, and other strategic sectors.