State banquet menus differ for Putin, Trump, Albanese visits
Menus from three recent state dinners at Beijing's Great Hall of the People show variations in courses and beverages served to Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Menus obtained by Abc from the Banquet Hall show Peking duck served to Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump but not to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during their separate visits over the past twelve months. The Russian menu opened with duck consomme and freshwater clams, followed by Peking duck, braised sea cucumber, abalone sauce, and Moutai.
It also included Great Wall wine from Ningxia and totaled eleven courses.
Trump menu Trump's menu featured golden broth lobster, crispy beef, pan-fried buns, and Peking duck. It included Great Wall and Changyu wines but no Moutai and ran to ten courses.
Albanese menu Albanese's menu contained foie gras, lobster soup, beef short ribs, and sour grouper. It used standard Great Wall and Changyu wines, omitted Peking duck, and also totaled ten courses. Officials from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that chefs study the customs of each guest nation and adapt menus accordingly.
The same statement noted that every ingredient on a state table functions as part of the diplomatic message.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- July 1971
Zhou Enlai served Peking duck to Henry Kissinger during stalled talks.
1 sourceAbc - Past 12 months
Beijing hosted state banquets for Putin, Trump, and Albanese.
1 sourceAbc
Potential Impact
- 01
Future state menus may continue to vary by guest relationship.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
France 24Zambia’s Kabwe Residents Sue Mining Company Over Lead Contamination
Children in Kabwe, Zambia, show blood lead levels above World Health Organization limits after decades of mining. An estimated 140,000 women and children have joined a class-action lawsuit against Anglo American South Africa Limited.
citizen.co.zaEbola Outbreak in Eastern DRC Kills at Least 240 Since Early May
The virus has spread from Ituri province into other eastern DRC regions and Uganda. Health workers report reduced international aid and limited local resources as they attempt to contain transmission.
manilatimes.netOutbreaks of hantavirus and Ebola prompt U.S. quarantine and travel measures
The U.S. government ordered quarantines after a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and imposed new traveler restrictions during an Ebola outbreak in Africa. Federal agencies stated that response operations continue despite recent staffing reductions at health agencies.