Officials from Beijing presented the U.S. with specific scheduling requirements for their president's meetings with Donald Trump, said people familiar with the visit planning. These instructions focused on accommodating President Xi Jinping's need for sleep and private downtime, which reduced the available time for bilateral discussions during the summit.

The request for unusual breaks offered a rare glimpse into the emerging physical limitations of the 73-year-old leader. The coordination of the visit indicates that managing the head of state's stamina has become a priority for China during high-profile diplomatic engagements.