The Visual Language of Diplomacy
Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, wore a fiery red floor-length gown to the state dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday evening. The 63-year-old, who has been First Lady of China since 2012, arrived at the festivities drawing attention with her striking attire. Her dress featured long sleeves, a mandarin collar, a small v-neckline and a circle skirt. In Chinese culture, the color red symbolizes good luck, happiness, prosperity and vitality. She accessorized with a black clutch bag, a modest pearl necklace and matching earrings.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, 73, opted for a dark Zhongshan suit with a turn-down closed collar to the event. The couple posed for photographs alongside President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, offering muted smiles toward crowds. US First Lady Melania Trump wore a monochrome look consisting of a white statement shirt and black embossed high-waisted pants.
Setting the Stage in the East Room
The state dinner took place in the East Room, featuring red-themed decor including red linens, Reagan-era vermeil, and overflowing urns of crimson dahlias orchestrated by Melania Trump's office. Guests raised glasses of Schramsberg Blanc De Noirs for a symbolic toast reviving the historic 1972 Toast to Peace between Richard Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai.
White House chefs prepared a multi-course menu fusing classic American ingredients with subtle Asian flavors. Attendees included top Cabinet officials and American CEOs from companies such as Apple, NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Tesla. Performances at the dinner included military musicians and inauguration tenor Christopher Macchio.
A Welcome of High Protocol
Xi Jinping arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday evening for a welcome ceremony personally greeted by Donald Trump. Melania Trump stated that Trump personally greeted Xi because they have a great relationship and it was necessary to welcome them with the most respect.
The visit included an arrival ceremony on the State Floor, a military review in the Rose Garden, and bilateral meetings. On Friday, the Trumps will host tea at the White House followed by a tour of the National Archives where Xi and Peng will view key US founding documents before departing from Joint Base Andrews.