Beijing, May 14, 2026 — In a striking display of diplomatic protocol over personal habit, U.S. President Donald Trump joined Chinese President Xi Jinping in a formal toast during a lavish state banquet held at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday evening.
Trump, who has long abstained from alcohol and often cites his late brother Fred Trump Jr.’s struggles with addiction as the reason for his teetotalism, nevertheless raised his glass and took a symbolic sip. The gesture was widely interpreted as a mark of respect for Chinese customs and the importance of the bilateral relationship.
The banquet followed a full day of high-stakes talks between the two leaders, covering trade, tariffs, technology, and regional issues including Taiwan. Xi hosted the opulent event, which featured Huaiyang cuisine and was attended by senior Chinese officials as well as prominent American business leaders such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook.
In his toast, Xi expressed hopes for a “bright future” in China-U.S. relations and the friendship between the two peoples, while wishing Trump good health. Trump responded by praising the day’s discussions as “extremely positive and productive,” highlighting mutual respect and the “rich and enduring ties” between the American and Chinese people.
“I now like to raise a glass and propose a toast to the rich and enduring ties between the American and Chinese people. It’s a very special relationship,” Trump said, before extending an invitation for Xi and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, to visit the White House on September 24.
The moment quickly went viral on social media and news platforms, with videos of the two leaders clinking glasses circulating widely. For many observers, the scene underscored a key principle of international diplomacy: personal preferences often yield to protocol when forging or maintaining critical relationships between major powers.
Trump’s participation in the toast stands in contrast to past instances, such as state visits where he has politely declined alcoholic beverages. Analysts note that in Chinese diplomatic tradition, the ganbei (“dry the cup”) custom carries significant symbolic weight, making full abstention potentially awkward in such a high-profile setting.
The summit continues on Friday, with expectations focused on whether concrete agreements on trade imbalances and economic cooperation can emerge from the renewed engagement between Washington and Beijing.
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