Get you up to speed: China hosts state banquet for Donald Trump amid discussions on bilateral ties
U.S. President Donald Trump attended a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14, 2026. The banquet’s menu featured dishes from the Huaiyang region, including lobster in tomato soup, crispy beef ribs, and Beijing roast duck.
During a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the White House stated that the menu combined traditional Chinese flavours with international dishes, including lobster in tomato soup and crispy beef ribs. Xi also warned Trump about the risks of confrontation between the United States and China, stressing the importance of cooperation between the two nations.
During the state visit, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping discussed ways to enhance bilateral economic cooperation and investment. Xi emphasized the importance of the Taiwan issue, warning that mishandling could sour U.S.-China relations.
Menu served to Donald Trump during his state banquet in China revealed | News World
The lavish banquet took place today in Beijing (Picture: Reuters)
Donald Trump might have a love of fast food, but he was served something very different during his state visit to China.
Hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a state banquet, most of the food was sourced from the Huaiyang region.
Food from that area is known for its light seasoning and balanced flavours, making it the cuisine of choice for major political events and visits from other foreign leaders.
Some of the most well-known dishes from the region include Lion’s head pork meatballs, made up using ground pork, water chestnuts and breadcrumbs.
The White House said the banquet menu blended Chinese flavours with other international dishes – lobster in tomato soup, crispy beef ribs, Beijing roast duck, and slow-cooked salmon in mustard sauce.
Desserts and sides included fried pork bun, trumpet shell-shaped pastries, tiramisu, and fruits with ice cream.
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Each dish was chosen with intent (Picture: Reuters)
During his last state visit to China, Trump was served Huaiyang dishes as well, including braised vegetables and stewed beef in tomato.
Last year, Trump’s favourite foods were revealed by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who told a group of children on ‘Take Your Children to Work Day’ that the President loves steak.
Another child asked what his favourite order is from McDonald’s.
‘He loves McDonald’s hamburgers and French fries,’ Leavitt said.
As for sweets, Leavitt said the President eats a ‘good amount of candy’, but prefers pink Starburst and Tootsie Rolls.
Iran should not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. According to Chinese state media, Xi emphasized the importance of the Taiwan issue, and that a mishandling could sour U.S.-China relations. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)” decoding=”async” loading=”lazy”/>
Talks between Xi and Trump have focused on the economy and security (Picture: Getty)
Earlier in the state visit, Xi issued what appeared to be a thinly veiled threat to Donald Trump during a US trip to Beijing this week.
Trump opened talks by telling Xi it was an ‘honour’ to be his friend, even as his Chinese counterpart offered a cautionary warning about the risk of a possible clash between the two nations.
‘China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,’ Xi said.
‘We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era.’
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