Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted an elaborate tea session and lunch for President Trump on Friday as the leaders concluded their high-profile summit in Beijing, while staff members and media personnel outside were served McDonald’s meals.
The luncheon, held inside Zhongnanhai, reflected elements of Chinese culinary culture. Dishes served included kung pao chicken, scallops and braised greens, while brownies were offered for dessert.
Outside the venue, US and Chinese staffers as well as members of the press were given McDonald’s meal bags.
The fast-food offerings included Big Macs and chicken sandwiches, although french fries were notably absent.
Lavish menus highlight summit hospitality
The formal state dinner shared by Trump and Xi on Thursday evening was similarly lavish, combining dishes inspired by both Chinese and American tastes.
Held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the dinner menu featured crispy beef ribs, roast duck, lobster in tomato soup, salmon in mustard sauce and pan-fried pork buns. Dessert selections included tiramisu, fruits and ice cream, which is known to be one of Trump’s favourites.
Like Friday’s luncheon, the state dinner showcased several Beijing specialities while departing from the Huaiyang cuisine traditionally prepared for official state banquets. The menu appeared tailored in part to accommodate Trump’s personal preferences.
When Xi visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2017, Trump served the Chinese leader a dry-aged New York prime strip steak.
Trump praises Xi during garden tour
Before the two leaders sat down for lunch on Friday, Xi brought Trump on a tour of the gardens surrounding his official residence.
Trump admired the roses in the garden and praised the outcome of the discussions between both sides.
“This has been an incredible visit. I think a lot of, a lot of good has come of it,” Trump said during the visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden on his final day in Beijing.
Trump also spoke warmly about his relationship with Xi.
“He’s a man I respect greatly. Become really a friend,” Trump said. “We’ve known each other now 11 years, almost 12 years. That’s a long time, and we’ve settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to settle, and the relationship is a very strong one.”
Invitation extended for White House visit
Trump confirmed that he had invited Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to visit Washington later this year.
“It is my honor to extend an invitation to you and Madame Peng Liyuan to visit us at the White House this September 24, and we look forward to it,” Trump said during a toast at Thursday night’s state dinner.
