Why did Xi and China’s first lady bring their own flasks to White House banquet?

During the state dinner at the White House on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his first lady Peng Liyuan presented a unique and subtle display of their cultural authenticity. The couple carried with them vacuum flasks, black for Xi and white for Peng, which were spotted on their table during the formal dinner. This practice signaled a blend of personal preference with high-level diplomacy.

The White House banquet echoed a familiar aspect of Chinese culture, where carrying a vacuum flask filled with hot beverages is common as people age. Traditional Chinese medicine principles suggest that warm liquids are better for digestion and many individuals may also add herbs or berries, such as goji berries, to their mix. While the specific contents of Xi and Peng's flasks are unknown, this is likely their purpose.

China's public infrastructure supports this practice, with high-speed railway stations, airport terminals, and public rest stops equipped with boiling-water taps. These taps enable commuters and travelers to refill their flasks on the go. Many Chinese tourists visiting Western nations carry their own vacuum flasks, allowing them to bypass iced water or chilled beverages.

This preference for traditional hot beverages also extends to China's domestic political routine. At major political gatherings, such as the annual parliamentary meetings in Beijing, the Chinese president is often flanked by two distinct teacups on his desk. This unique arrangement sets him apart from other senior officials, who typically receive a single cup that is periodically refilled by attendants.