Evening features ‘American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence’, entertainment from military bands and plenty of red linen and flowers
2-MIN READ2-MINHolly ChikPublished: 8:17am, 25 Sep 2026As Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet at the White House for a state dinner on Thursday, culinary diplomacy is on the menu for guests who include business leaders and government officials.“The menu showcases American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence, bringing the culinary traditions of both nations together,” the office of American first lady Melania Trump said.
Xi is dressed in a black Zhongshan suit – colloquially known as a “Mao suit” – while Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan is wearing a long red gown.
Trump wears a black suit with a black bow tie, while his wife is dressed in a white blouse with a large bow paired with high-waisted dark trousers and heels.
