But the event, yet to be formally announced by hosts U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR), also presents uneasy optics.
The USCBC and NCUSCR both declined to comment on the planned dinner.
Xi has overseen a crackdown on U.S. consultancy and due-diligence firms, a further blow to investor confidence.
Jeff Moon, a former U.S. trade official turned business adviser, said China's goal would be to soften Xi's image and attract investment, but that the dinner was unlikely to "move any needles."
"They have come to accept that there's no substitute for hearing and seeing and observing what Xi Jinping is doing," said Patel.
Persons:
Carlos Barria, Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Xi, MIGNON, Jeff Moon, mignon, Mike Gallagher, Biden, Janet Yellen, Nirav Patel, Jinping, Patel, David Brunnstrom, Stephen Nellis, Michelle Nichols, Lincoln
Organizations:
APEC, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, Wednesday, Reuters, U.S, China Business Council, National Committee, China Relations, Muslim, Asia, Thomson
Locations:
Asia, Pacific, San Francisco , California, United States, San Francisco, U.S, China, Washington, Muslim Uyghurs, Beijing