Trump gives Xi bald eagle sculpture at Washington state dinner

US President Donald Trump presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with a bald eagle sculpture at a state dinner in Washington on Thursday, during a three-day summit at which a temporary US–China trade truce was extended. [1]

The sculpture, unveiled before guests, depicts a bird native to North America and a US national symbol. Trump said it embodied “the free and soaring spirit of America” and that he and First Lady Melania Trump had participated in its design. [1]

The gift-giving accompanied talks against the backdrop of the US–China trade war. The truce extended during the visit remains a temporary arrangement rather than a permanent settlement. [1]

Daniel Kritenbrink, a partner at The Asia Group, described gift exchanges as an important part of the leaders’ personal relationship. In comments reported by the BBC, he characterised diplomatic protocol, ceremony and presents as tools directed towards stable US–China relations. [1]

The BBC also quoted Ole Jacob Sending of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, who said diplomatic gift exchanges are highly scripted and typically involve weeks of lower-level negotiations beforehand. [1]

Earlier on Thursday, Xi announced a gift of two pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, to Zoo Atlanta. He said they would arrive at their new home “in a few days”. [1]