President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping at a formal White House state dinner featuring an exclusively pescatarian menu, notably omitting red meat. The event is intended to provide an elegant diplomatic setting, contrasting with Trump’s well-known preference for fast food.

The meal will include yellow squash velouté with wild mushrooms and pancetta, sesame-crusted sea bass with bok choy and eggplant, and a dessert of vanilla crémeux, White House honey ice cream, walnut frangipane and sour cherry confit. Tenor Christopher Macchio and military musicians will perform, while red flowers and linens will reflect the colour’s cultural significance in China. Trump is expected to take Xi to the National Archives the following day before Xi leaves the United States.