Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a state dinner for US President Donald Trump this evening. The event took place at the Great Hall of the People, attended by many high-ranking officials from both sides.
Danny Kemp, AFP's White House correspondent, reported that the state dinner menu included: lobster tomato soup, crispy beef ribs, Peking duck, stewed vegetables, slow-cooked salmon served with mustard sauce, and pan-fried pork dumplings.
Desserts featured: shell-shaped pastries, tiramisu, fruit, and ice cream.
The state dinner for President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People on the evening of 14/5. *Video: Reuters*
According to CNN, the state dinner featured Chinese specialties, with some dishes adjusted to suit the US President's discerning palate.
'For the bright future of China-US relations, for the friendship between our two peoples, for the health of President Trump and all distinguished guests present here,' Mr. Xi stated as he raised a toast during the state dinner.
The Chinese President added that China's development could 'go hand in hand' with 'making America great again,' referencing the movement initiated by President Trump. 'Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can fully go hand in hand, helping each other succeed and promoting global prosperity,' he affirmed.
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Trump's seating at the banquet. *Photo: AFP*
The US President described his earlier talks with the Chinese President as 'extremely positive and productive,' characterizing the state dinner as 'another valuable opportunity for discussion among friends.'
'I want to raise a toast to the rich and enduring relationship between the American and Chinese people. It is a very special relationship,' the US President noted.
For decades, China has leveraged the symbolic power of its cuisine in landmark diplomatic events and when hosting important international guests. During his 2017 visit to China, Mr. Trump was served dishes in the Huaiyang culinary style, one of China's 8 major gastronomic traditions.
By Huyen Le (Reuters, AFP, CNN)
