Rash Doshi, former deputy director for China and Taiwan at the National Security Council, told Politico: "China views Trump as unpredictable, posing reputational risks for Xi Jinping. It is not typical for Chinese officials to expose a leader to the risk of a potentially awkward or unpredictable meeting."

The White House says the two leaders might discuss the trade relationship as early as this week, but Beijing remains skeptical

Donald Trump said Wednesday it was “extremely hard” to reach a deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as the EU claimed momentum in its own trade