Xi Jinping Hosts Lavish Luncheon for Trump

BEIJING – Before wrapping up a historic summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out an extravagant luncheon for President Trump on Friday. For those unable to attend, there were bags filled with McDonald’s treats as a substitute.

Held at Beijing’s Zhongnanhai compound, the luncheon showcased traditional Chinese fare, featuring dishes like kung pao chicken, scallops, stewed vegetables, and even brownies for dessert. It all seemed pretty thoughtful, really.

Here’s a look at the complete menu:

• Minced cod seafood soup
• Crispy fried lobster balls
• Pan-fried beef fillet stuffed with morel mushrooms
• Kung pao chicken and scallops
• Stewed seasonal vegetables
• Bamboo shoots, mushrooms, beans
• Stewed beef sandwiched between bread
• Steamed pork and shrimp dumplings
• Chocolate brownie
• Fruit
• Ice cream
• Coffee and tea

While the officials enjoyed a lavish meal, staff and media from both the U.S. and China received McDonald’s bags that included Big Macs and chicken sandwiches, though curiously absent were the chain’s fries.

The previous night, a state dinner was similarly grand, blending both American and Chinese culinary traditions. It took place at the Great Hall of the People and offered dishes such as crispy beef ribs, roasted duck, lobster in tomato soup, and fried pork buns, with tiramisu, fruit, and ice cream to finish. The dessert choices seem to have been a hit with the President, too.

Interestingly, during Xi’s visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida back in 2017, he had served dry-aged New York prime strip steak, which was a departure from the current delicacies.

This story is still unfolding, so stay tuned for more updates.