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China

The state dinner came with sea bass and a $119bn monthly surplus

By Peter Wilding,

Published on Sep 28, 2026   —   6 min read

United StatesTradeDonald TrumpXi JinpingEuropean Union
President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping toast at the White House state dinner on 24 September 2026

Summary

Trump hosted Xi with sea bass and 130 guests while China's customs ledger posted a $119.09bn monthly surplus — and Europe absorbs the difference.

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Peter Wilding

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