{
  "id": 9760688,
  "title": "Xi-Trump banquet: from flasks to US tech titans in attendance, here’s everything you missed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/xi-trump-banquet-from-flasks-to-us-tech-titans-in-attendance-heres",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T12:09:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
    "slug": "reuters-business-via-scmp",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3368845/xi-trump-banquet-flasks-us-tech-titans-attendance-heres-everything-you-missed"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The recent White House state dinner held between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump featured a diverse group of attendees, including key US tech titans. The dinner served as a platform to discuss technology's role in shaping the relationship between the two nations.\n\nDuring the evening's entertainment, American tenor Christopher Macchio performed, adding to the cultural exchange. The menu included culinary diplomacy, with sparkling wine representing a significant moment in Sino-US relations, and a nod to \"ping-pong diplomacy,\" a historic sports initiative fostering goodwill between the two countries.\n\nInterestingly, both Chinese President Xi Jinping and his first lady, Peng Liyuan, brought their own vacuum flasks to the banquet, showcasing their dedication to maintaining their personal hygiene amidst the formal setting. The flasks, a unique addition to the event, added a touch of novelty to the otherwise traditional atmosphere.\n\nZhou Hongxu, Xi's security chief, was among the rising Chinese officials present at the White House banquet, signaling the ongoing importance of security in intergovernmental relations. The event also provided a stage for US business leaders to interact with top Chinese officials, further emphasizing the focus on technology and economic cooperation.\n\nPresident Xi Jinping addressed the assembled guests, emphasizing a friendship \"forged in blood\" during his remarks. The discussions at the dinner aimed to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two superpowers, with both leaders committed to fostering cooperation in various sectors. As the state dinner concluded, it marked a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between China and the United States.",
  "summary": "We have put together stories from our coverage of the White House state dinner. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Xi-Trump dinner puts US tech titans in spotlight – what does it mean for ties? If the American guests seated at the head table with President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at Thursday’s White House state dinner were any…",
  "key_points": [
    "US tech titans attended Xi-Trump banquet, focusing on technology ties",
    "Chinese leaders brought vacuum flasks, symbolizing personal hygiene",
    "State dinner aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between China and US"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Xi-Trump banquet: from flasks to US tech titans in attendance, here’s everything you missed",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/xi-trump-banquet-from-flasks-to-us-tech-titans-in-attendance-heres-9766720",
        "published": "2026-09-25T12:09:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}