November 6, 2026. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed she will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen. "Yes, there will be a bilateral meeting with the government of China, with the president of China," she said at her morning press conference, according to La Silla Rota and EFE.
It will be her first visit to China since taking office in October 2024. The APEC leaders' meeting takes place on November 18 and 19.
Travel dates
According to both outlets, the president leaves Mexico on Sunday, November 15 and returns early on Friday, November 20, in time for the Mexican Revolution anniversary parade. Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez will lead the morning press conferences while she is away.
The date and time of the meeting with Xi have not been announced. The Rio Times, citing the conference transcript, reports that several bilateral meetings are scheduled and will be announced soon. On a possible meeting with US President Donald Trump, whose attendance is not confirmed, Sheinbaum said: "If he goes, of course we are interested in meeting him."
Trade context and APEC 2028
La Silla Rota and EFE recall that in December 2025 Mexico approved tariff increases of up to 50 % on various products from countries without a free trade agreement, including China, and that Mexico's trade is mainly with the US and Canada under the USMCA, which is under review this year. Mexico hosts APEC in 2028, after Vietnam in 2027, according to Proceso.
Our take
A meeting between the two presidents opens a direct channel for dialogue in a year of changes in tariffs and customs. For companies, the practical step is to follow official announcements from the meeting and check whether any change import or export conditions.
- Quote DDP so the price already includes current duties and taxes.
- Keep commercial invoices and origin papers in order; we help with export documents.
- Planning to meet suppliers or buyers in China? Our business trips to China cover agenda and interpreter.
Sources
- La Silla Rota, Luis Ramos Chavero, "Sheinbaum se reunirá con Xi Jinping en Cumbre de la APEC en China", 5 Nov 2026
- EFE via MVS Noticias, "Sheinbaum confirma reunión con Xi Jinping en Foro de la APEC", 5 Nov 2026
- The Rio Times, Gabriela Vargas, "Sheinbaum Confirms Meeting With Xi in China", 6 Nov 2026
- Proceso, "Sheinbaum confirma viaje a China para participar en cumbre de APEC", 23 Sep 2026
