China’s President Xi Jingping welcomed Donald Trump with an exceptionally formal reception on his first state visit since 2017, capped off by an extravagant nine-course banquet that underlined the moment’s diplomatic weight.
Even by the usual standards of visiting heads of state, the choreography, ceremony, and emphasis on China’s 3,500-year cultural legacy signalled how much was riding on the talks occurring away from the cameras.
That message came through most clearly at Thursday night’s banquet for the US delegation. The guest list reportedly included billionaire Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—despite Rubio having been sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party—while those inside were served nine carefully prepared courses.
At the same time, reports suggested that while senior figures dined on dishes such as lobster and beef ribs, White House staff and members of the travelling press pool were served Big Mac burgers separately.
For a president known for favouring McDonald’s, it may have been a rare occasion when the more junior attendees appeared to have the more familiar meal. But the contrast also highlighted how China uses food and protocol as a quiet tool of statecraft.
The visit has centred on projecting strength between the world’s two dominant powers, China and the United States, with Xi Jingping and Trump presenting a cordial public tone while tariff discussions continued in parallel.
The dinner in Beijing also stood in contrast to the menu Trump was offered during his UK state visit, where the courses leaned toward French-style haute cuisine with elaborate titles that may not have been tailored to his tastes.
In China, the approach was described as more restrained and classic—simple, carefully executed plates reflecting both Chinese and Western influence. And, as expected for a major state occasion in Beijing, Beijing roast duck featured as a signature dish.
Trump was served six main dishes at the state banquet:
Followed by three dessert courses:
After the courses, coffee and tea were brought out for the dozens of senior delegates gathered inside the Great Hall of the People.
While the banquet was a long way from the president’s usual preference for straightforward fare, the hospitality appeared to support the visit’s broader messaging as Trump departed on Friday. He told reporters that “we’ve settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to solve”.
“We’ve made some fantastic trade deals for both countries,” Trump also said, though he pointed specifically to soybeans and oil when asked for examples of agreements reached during the trip.