President Donald Trump’s high-profile welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping has generated plenty of discussion in Washington, but one Republican senator has suggested a far more casual stop for the visiting Chinese leader: Panda Express.
During a Thursday appearance on Fox Business, Utah Sen. Mike Lee suggested that Trump take Xi to the well-known American Chinese restaurant chain, saying he wants to see it happen.
Lee joked that Trump might surprise Xi by suggesting they stop by Panda Express and try its broccoli beef.
“I’d love to see that happen,” Lee said.
The humorous suggestion came during a broader conversation about Trump’s treatment of Xi’s state visit to the United States.
Mike Lee Defends Trump’s Welcome for Xi
Fox Business host Larry Kudlow questioned whether Trump is being too friendly toward the Chinese leader at a time when the United States and China remain divided over several major economic and national security issues.
Lee defended Trump’s approach, arguing that the president takes pride in being a welcoming host when foreign leaders visit the United States.
Trump welcomed Xi in person at Joint Base Andrews when the Chinese leader landed on Wednesday.
That level of personal attention is not given to every foreign leader visiting Washington.
Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were later formally welcomed at the White House during his first official state visit to Washington in over 10 years.
Lee stated Trump often tries to determine what visiting dignitaries are looking forward to and then makes an effort to provide them with a memorable experience.
Trump and Xi Face Major U.S.-China Issues
Behind the ceremonial welcome, Trump and Xi are dealing with several serious issues affecting the relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
The talks include trade, artificial intelligence, technology, Taiwan and broader national security concerns.
U.S.-China trade policy remains especially important for American businesses, consumers and investors because decisions involving tariffs, manufacturing and supply chains can have widespread economic consequences.
Artificial intelligence has also become an increasingly significant area of competition between Washington and Beijing, particularly as both countries invest heavily in advanced technology and semiconductor development.
Taiwan remains another major point of disagreement between the United States and China.
Those issues have made Xi’s visit one of the most closely watched diplomatic events in Washington.
White House Hosts High-Profile State Dinner
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump later welcomed Xi and his wife to a formal state dinner held in the White House East Room.
The guest list included several prominent figures from the technology and business worlds.
The guest list featured several major technology and business figures, including CEOs Sam Altman, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Jensen Huang.
Their presence highlighted the importance of technology, artificial intelligence and global business in the broader U.S.-China relationship.
Major American companies increasingly operate in an environment shaped by competition between Washington and Beijing, including restrictions involving advanced computer chips, manufacturing and international trade.
Panda Express Comment Adds a Lighter Moment
Against the backdrop of formal ceremonies and serious negotiations, Lee’s Panda Express suggestion provided a noticeably lighter moment.
Panda Express has grown into one of the most recognizable Chinese-American restaurant chains in the country, making Lee’s proposal an unusual contrast with the formal setting of a presidential state visit.
There is no indication that Trump actually plans to take Xi to the restaurant.
Still, the comment quickly attracted attention because of the unlikely image of two of the world’s most powerful political leaders sharing a casual fast-food meal.
For now, the more important question remains what Trump and Xi may accomplish during their discussions.
With trade, artificial intelligence, technology and national security all on the agenda, the outcome of the meetings could have implications far beyond Washington.
The Panda Express suggestion may have supplied the humor, but the larger U.S.-China negotiations remain the real story.