US President Donald Trump hinted at a "not-too-distant" visit to China after an invitation from Xi Jinping, signalling possible diplomacy amid trade tensions, and geopolitical strains.

Beijing also seems willing to engage in diplomatic channels. China's US embassy confirmed last week that it is inviting foreign dignitaries — some of them American — to a September 3 ceremony in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II.

Xi put forward three proposals for the future of China-EU relations: both sides should uphold mutual respect and consolidate the positioning of their relations as partnership, embrace openness and cooperation while properly managing differences and frictions, and practice multilateralism and uphold international rules and order.

In a significant diplomatic visit, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss upcoming bilateral events and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence from public view, appearing only twice in videos in over a month, amid a military purge and economic challenges, has fuelled speculation of a power shift in the Chinese Communist Party.