Trump gives Xi a bald eagle statue: The symbolism behind the diplomatic gift

During a state dinner at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with a three-foot-tall bald eagle sculpture, a carefully chosen diplomatic gesture. The sculpture, designed by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, symbolizes the "free and soaring spirit of America." The bald eagle, a native of North America and the U.S. national bird since 2024, was placed at the center of the high-profile encounter.

The gift comes as Washington and Beijing attempt to manage disagreements over trade, technology, and artificial intelligence, with a temporary trade truce currently in place. In addition to the bald eagle, Xi announced the sending of two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, to Zoo Atlanta, a tradition used by China to symbolize friendship in its relations with other countries.

The symbolic gesture also saw China offering a student exchange program, where 100,000 U.S. students are expected to study in China over a period of five years. These diplomatic gifts, while not resolving disputes between the two largest economies, contribute to the optics and personal rapport surrounding high-level negotiations.