Top diplomat's US trip may lead to additional high-level contacts

China's top diplomat embarked on a trip to the United States on Monday for the first time since US President Donald Trump took office, in a move that analysts said may pave the way for a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Trump.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi is expected to meet with senior US officials during his two-day visit.

The visit comes amid uncertainties on trade and security issues between the world's two largest economies.