U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a state banquet in Beijing on Thursday, May 14, 2026 [1].
The dinner served as a diplomatic gesture of goodwill during President Trump's official visit to China. Such high-level culinary exchanges are often used to signal stability and cooperation between the two global superpowers.
The menu for the evening featured three primary dishes [2]. Guests were served crispy beef ribs, Peking roast duck, and tiramisu [2]. The selection blended traditional Chinese staples with an international dessert to accommodate the visiting delegation.
Reports regarding the meal have varied across different media outlets. While some sources mentioned the presence of "trumpet-shell" pastries, major news organizations including Reuters and The New York Times found no evidence that such items were on the menu [1, 3].
The event took place in the state banquet hall in Beijing, where the two leaders met to discuss bilateral relations [1, 3]. The atmosphere of the dinner was designed to reflect the formal nature of the state visit and the importance of the strategic partnership between the U.S. and China.
Officials said the meal was part of a broader effort to foster positive diplomatic ties. The inclusion of Peking roast duck, a hallmark of Beijing's culinary identity, served as a cultural bridge during the discussions [3].
“The menu for the evening featured three primary dishes”
The use of a state banquet is a standard tool of 'soft power' diplomacy. By hosting a formal dinner with specific cultural and international dishes, China aims to project hospitality and openness. The focus on the menu in public discourse often distracts from the underlying geopolitical negotiations, but the act of sharing a meal remains a critical prerequisite for formal bilateral agreements.
