Trump visit to China: Xi hosts state lunch in Beijing with Peking duck and tailored menu
During Trump visit to China, President Xi Jinping hosted a state lunch at Beijing’s Great Hall, serving Peking duck and a selection of seafood and bespoke dishes. The meal, held on the second day of the US president’s visit and described by hosts as a formal state banquet, showcased both regional Chinese cuisine and items reportedly tailored to the guest’s preferences. During his remarks at the table, President Trump invited Xi to visit the United States on September 24 and described the bilateral relationship as one of the most important in world history.
State banquet staged at the Great Hall of the People
The luncheon took place in the Great Hall of the People, a ceremonial venue that often frames China’s most prominent diplomatic events. Officials noted the setting underscored the visit’s high diplomatic significance, marking the first US presidential trip to China since 2017. The venue and protocol reinforced the emphasis both sides placed on ceremony as part of the broader diplomatic engagement.
Menu combined classic specialties with customized courses
According to media reports, the menu featured a mix of traditional high-end Chinese dishes alongside items adapted for the visiting guest’s tastes. Courses reportedly included lobster in a tomato broth, crispy beef ribs, roast Peking duck, seasonal vegetables, slowly cooked salmon with mustard sauce and steamed meat dishes. Desserts ranged from shell-shaped pastries to tiramisu, followed by a selection of fresh fruit and ice cream.
Trump’s remarks and invitation to Washington
At the banquet, President Trump publicly invited President Xi to visit the United States on September 24, framing the outreach as an opportunity to deepen cooperation. He described the US–China relationship as “the most important in world history” and referred to Xi as a friend while praising the talks preceding the luncheon as positive and constructive. Trump also thanked his host for what he called an exceptional welcome, reflecting the ceremonial tone of the encounter.
Historical references and diplomatic framing
During his address, President Trump referenced historical Chinese contributions to early American infrastructure, citing Chinese laborers who helped build US railroads as part of a broader narrative of longstanding ties. That historical framing was used to underscore continuity in bilateral relations and to appeal to shared historical points of contact. The remarks signaled a diplomatic effort to pair contemporary negotiations with symbolic reminders of past links.
Hospitality as soft power in bilateral diplomacy
Observers pointed out that the choice of dishes, the venue and the formal exchange of invitations are elements of soft power that accompany policy talks. Culinary diplomacy—the practice of using official meals to convey cultural respect and goodwill—played a visible role in the event, with Peking duck and other emblematic dishes placed at the center of the table. By including items described as tailored to the guest, hosts sought to balance traditional presentation with personal hospitality.
The luncheon concluded with formal exchanges and photo opportunities that reinforced the visit’s ceremonial milestones, before delegations resumed scheduled talks on economic and strategic issues. As the visit continues, leaders and officials are expected to use both public statements and private discussions to advance cooperation and manage differences.
