Beijing roast duck and beef ribs: Inside the diplomatic nuances of Xi–Trump banquet

When Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping sat down to a ​lavish state banquet in Beijing on Thursday, the menu itself read like a work of diplomacy, Reuters writes.

Chinese state dinners ‌traditionally draw on Huaiyang cuisine, from the region surrounding Shanghai, known for its mild, subtle flavours, refined knife-work and emphasis on seasonal dishes.

To cap a meeting in which both sides expressed a willingness to reset relations, menu planners appeared to add a note of culinary flexibility – including Beijing roast duck, ​China’s national dish, and beef ribs, in an apparent nod to Trump’s preference for a well-done steak.

They also went heavy ​on dessert options for American guests: tiramisu, fruits and ice cream and a “trumpet-shell shaped pastry.”

As noted, for decades, ⁠China has used the powerful symbolism of food during landmark official events and when receiving distinguished foreign visitors.