In international diplomacy, meals shared between leaders are often referred to as 'food diplomacy.' Each dish served carries messages and considerations intended for the other country, which is why food is considered the oldest language of diplomacy.
During U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, the menu presented by the Chinese side also conveyed such messages. The standout dish at the final working lunch shared by President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 15 at Zhongnanhai in Beijing was Kung Pao Chicken, a classic Sichuan dish.
China had previously featured this dish during Trump's first visit in 2017 as part of the state banquet menu. Kung Pao Chicken, which consists of diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts and chili peppers, is a representative dish from the Sichuan region. Some interpretations suggest that the choice of this dish was a nod to Trump's Chinese name, 'Chuanfu' (川普), linking it to Sichuan cuisine, known as 'Chuan Cai' (川菜).
Kung Pao Chicken also resonates with the history of U.S.-China exchanges. It was one of the favorite dishes of Chinese immigrant laborers who worked on railroads, in mines, and on farms in the U.S., and it has become a symbolic menu item in American Chinese cuisine due to its spicy yet familiar flavor.
The day before, on May 14, the welcome state banquet for President Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing continued this tradition of Chinese 'table diplomacy.' The menu not only preserved the identity of traditional Chinese cuisine but also carefully considered President Trump's tastes and Western preferences.
Among the dishes served was Peking Duck, a signature dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat, often featured at state banquets for foreign leaders.
Other dishes included Guangdong-style lobster soup, crispy beef, and slow-cooked salmon with mustard sauce. The meal also featured Chinese-style crispy dumplings, conch-shaped pastries, and Italian dessert tiramisu.
The menu blended Eastern and Western flavors, reflecting a message of mutual respect and compromise emphasized in U.S.-China relations.
The music played during the banquet also showcased careful consideration, mixing American and Chinese songs. Notably, the song 'YMCA,' frequently used by President Trump during his campaign rallies, was included, interpreted as a gesture of respect from the Chinese side.
China's 'table diplomacy' was also a topic of discussion earlier this year during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's visit to China. During that state banquet, President Xi served Beijing-style Jajangmyeon and encouraged President Lee to taste the differences compared to Korean Jajangmyeon, fostering a warm atmosphere for dialogue on a shared topic between the two nations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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