Henry Kissinger treated to lavish lunch as China gives US diplomat blessings of longevity

Also part of the decorations were ornaments of pine trees and cranes, typically symbols of good health and longevity.

At the head of the table was a huge longevity peach, accompanied by 99 others. In Chinese culture, pastries or cakes made of peaches are usually served during birthday celebrations of elderly people to represent immortality and longevity.

The attention to detail in even the smaller elements in the room, such as a napkin holder made from sandalwood in the shape of a calabash, showed the care the Chinese government had taken in hosting Kissinger, who paved the way for the normalisation of US-China ties in the 1970s.

The menu featured several dishes Kissinger had enjoyed when he and former US president Richard Nixon made their groundbreaking official visit in 1972, including Peking duck and West Lake fish in vinegar gravy.

“Such a thoughtful arrangement reflects how the Chinese people value friendships and never forget old friends,” the CCTV video said.

Earlier on Thursday, when Xi held talks with Kissinger, he noted that his guest had recently celebrated his 100th birthday and had visited China more than 100 times over the years. He added that these “two hundreds gave this visit special significance”.

“We never forget our old friends, nor your historic contributions to promoting the growth of China-US relations and enhancing friendship between the two peoples,” Xi was quoted by state media as saying.

The Chinese president told Kissinger that Beijing was willing to explore ways to improve relations with Washington, and hoped the former American diplomat could play a constructive role in restoring US-China ties.

Amid the deteriorating relationship between the two rival superpowers, both sides have made efforts recently to revive communications and repair ties. This week, China hosted US climate envoy John Kerry, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have both made visits to Beijing.

While Kissinger is in China for a “private trip”, sources told the South China Morning Post that the purpose of his visit was to get a better understanding of the Chinese leadership’s thinking. He is expected to share his impressions with the US government when he returns.

During his trip, Kissinger has spoken with high-ranking Chinese officials including top diplomat Wang Yi and Defence Minister Li Shangfu.

Earlier this year, Li rejected a face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue over Washington’s refusal to lift sanctions levied against him.

Kissinger also met Xi on Thursday. This was in stark contrast to recent China visits by US officials which excluded meetings with the Chinese leader. Both Kerry and Yellen did not hold talks with Xi.