Even Trump, Who Abstains from Alcohol, Takes a Sip of Wine? A Look at the Menu at the U.S.-China State Banquet

Peking Duck and Beef Short Ribs Featured at U.S.-China Banquet
Menu Sends a 'Message of Stability' in Bilateral Relations
Toast Reaffirms Commitment to Improving Ties

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their commitment to stabilizing U.S.-China relations at the state banquet held on the 14th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. As the leaders of both countries seek to reset relations, interpretations have emerged that the dinner menu and the scenes of the toast also contained diplomatic messages.

On May 15, international media outlets such as AP and Reuters reported that, at the state banquet the previous day, the Chinese side presented a menu based on Huaiyang cuisine from Jiangsu Province, one of China's eight great culinary traditions. Huaiyang cuisine is characterized by its soft and delicate flavors, refined knife skills, and emphasis on seasonal ingredients.

As the two national leaders seek to reset their relationship, interpretations suggest that the dinner menu and the toast scenes on that day also contained diplomatic messages. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The banquet featured signature Chinese dishes such as Beijing Kaoya—commonly known as Peking Duck—and beef short ribs. Notably, some observers noted that beef short ribs were served in consideration of President Trump's well-known preference for well-done steak. The menu, which reflected both traditional Chinese cuisine and American tastes, was interpreted as demonstrating diplomatic flexibility aimed at improving bilateral relations. For dessert, seasonal fruit, tiramisu, ice cream, and 'trumpet shell-shaped pastries' were served. Instead of baijiu, the toasting drinks were Great Wall wine from Hebei Province and Changyu Reserve Chardonnay from Beijing.

Xi Jinping Emphasizes Mutual Respect: "China's Rejuvenation and MAGA Can Move Forward Together"

At the banquet, President Xi described President Trump's visit as "historic" and remarked, "China's rejuvenation and 'MAGA' (Make America Great Again) can move forward together." He continued, "Today, President Trump and I had in-depth discussions, and we both believe that U.S.-China relations are the most important bilateral relationship in the world." President Xi also stated, "The United States and China should be partners, not competitors," emphasizing that "mutual respect is the key to a stable U.S.-China relationship." He urged President Trump that "the U.S. and China must steer the great ship together along the right path."

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their commitment to stabilizing U.S.-China relations at a state banquet held on the 14th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Photo by AP Yonhap News

President Trump reciprocated by referring to President Xi as a "friend." He said, "We had very positive and constructive talks," and added, "U.S.-China relations are among the most important in world history, and we have the opportunity to create even greater cooperation and prosperity in the future." President Trump went on to invite President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the White House on September 24. According to AP, President Trump proposed a toast at the banquet, saying, "There could not have been a more wonderful welcome," and described the day as "fantastic."

Trump Seen Lifting Glass and Drinking Wine During Toast

During the proceedings, President Trump was seen raising his glass containing the toasting wine and bringing it to his lips, appearing to take a sip. He then handed the glass to a staff member, and cameras caught him seemingly holding the wine in his mouth for a moment before swallowing. However, international media reported that it was unclear whether President Trump actually drank the wine or merely touched the glass to his lips.

It is widely known that President Trump decided not to drink alcohol after his older brother Fred Trump died of alcoholism at the age of 43. He is famous for preferring cola instead of alcohol, and there are well-known anecdotes about him installing a so-called 'cola button' on his desk in the Oval Office to order cola. Attending the banquet from the U.S. side were Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, among other political and business leaders. Meanwhile, President Trump is scheduled to meet with President Xi for a tea meeting and working luncheon at Zhongnanhai in central Beijing on the 16th, before departing for home on Air Force One from Beijing Capital International Airport in the afternoon.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.