WASHINGTON — The Trump-Xi dinner menu on Thursday night came with a patriotic gift, as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at a black-tie state dinner in the East Room. Read our full coverage of the Trump-Xi White House summit.
The Arrival
The Trumps stepped out of the North Portico shortly after 7 p.m. Then Xi and Peng arrived by car and posed for photos before heading inside. Meanwhile, the East Room décor drew on the cultural significance of the color red.
The Bald Eagle Gift
Later that evening, Trump presented Xi with a bald eagle statue. He also called the bird a national symbol of the United States.
What Was on the Trump-Xi Dinner Menu
The two-course menu featured a yellow squash velouté with crispy pancetta. It also included sesame-crusted sea bass over braised baby bok choy. Finally, dessert was a fruit-shaped vanilla cremeux with ice cream made from White House honey.
The Toasts
In his remarks, Xi recounted the history of U.S.-China ties. For example, he pointed to George Washington’s purchase of Chinese porcelain. He also noted cooperation in World War II and Richard Nixon’s moves to normalize relations. He then said the talks had given the relationship new substance, according to an official translation.
Family at the Table
Other guests included members of Trump’s extended family. For instance, Melania Trump’s father, Viktor Knavs, was also at the dinner.
