ExclusiveTrump envoy Steve Daines to return to Beijing as US and China lock in Xi summit agenda

Montana Republican is helping narrow differences on issues expected to dominate summit planned for September in Washington, source says

Daines, a Montana Republican, has emerged as an important backchannel figure between Washington and Beijing. He visited Beijing in May as the two sides sought to stabilise relations ahead of Trump’s trip to the Chinese capital later that month.

One person familiar with the matter said Daines had been carrying messages ahead of leader-level engagements and helping narrow differences on issues expected to dominate the coming summit.

Daines’ role positions him as a pivotal intermediary as preparations enter their final stretch, according to the source.

“Both sides understand his role very well,” the source said. “He has become an effective channel for communicating President Trump’s concerns to the Chinese side and vice versa.”