Dinner Opens With US-China History

The evening began with a toast featuring Schramsberg Blanc de Noir, an American sparkling wine.

The choice carried a diplomatic reference to the history of US-China relations. The wine was selected as a nod to former US President Richard Nixons 1972 visit to China, when Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai shared a toast during the historic opening of relations between Washington and Beijing.

The dinner therefore combined culinary elements with references to important moments in the bilateral relationship.

Squash Velouté Starts Meal

The first course was a yellow squash velouté, a smooth soup served with wild mushroom fricassee, crispy pancetta and scallion oil.

The dish centred on American ingredients while incorporating flavours and garnishes that added an Asian influence.

The opening course set the tone for a menu designed to combine culinary traditions from the two countries.

Sesame Sea Bass Follows

The main course featured toasted sesame-crusted sea bass served with braised baby bok choy and roasted garden eggplant.

A fresh herb sauce accompanied the fish.

Sesame and bok choy provided an Asian touch, while the overall menu continued to highlight American produce and ingredients.

The combination was designed to reflect the broader theme of the evening: bringing elements associated with both countries together at a formal diplomatic gathering.

White House Honey Dessert

Dessert featured a sculpted vanilla crémeux with a sour cherry confit centre, placed on walnut frangipane.

The dessert was accompanied by custom ice cream made using honey collected from beehives at the White House.

The final course added a distinctly local element to the dinner while maintaining the elaborate presentation of the evenings menu.

Trump Gifts Xi Golden Eagle

The dinner also included a symbolic gift exchange between the two leaders.

Trump and Melania presented Xi with a custom-made, gold-finished bald eagle sculpture measuring roughly three feet in height.

The artwork was created by an American artist in collaboration with the Trumps.

Trump described the bald eagle as representing Americas "free and soaring spirit" and said he hoped the sculpture would have a prominent place in Beijing.

Xi Announces Panda Gift

Xi responded with a goodwill gesture linked to the long-standing tradition of panda diplomacy.

Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, are expected to be sent to Zoo Atlanta in the coming days.

The announcement added another symbolic element to an evening focused on improving the atmosphere surrounding US-China relations.

Red-Themed White House Setting

The East Room was decorated with several elements inspired by Chinese culture, with red playing a prominent role throughout the setting.

Red table linens were combined with arrangements of red dahlias and ranunculus.

The colour was used to reflect the traditional association of red with celebration and warmth in Chinese culture.

Historic vermeil pieces and the Reagan State Service were also used during the dinner.

The guest list included senior US administration officials, Chinese government representatives and prominent business leaders, adding a high-profile diplomatic and business dimension to the event.