Why did Xi and China’s first lady bring their own flasks to White House banquet?

Amid the polished silverware and fine crystal stemware on display at the state dinner in the White House on Thursday sat the vacuum flasks brought by Chinese President Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan.The couple’s flasks, black for Xi and white for Peng, were spotted on their table during the formal dinner, signalling a subtle self-assurance as cultural authenticity met high diplomacy.Extending this everyday practice to the White House banquet was in tune with the host nation’s own eccentricity. US President Donald Trump’s fondness for Diet Coke – summoned via a dedicated red button on his Oval Office desk – is legendary.The table setting and vacuum flask for China’s President Xi Jinping are seen during the White House state dinner on Thursday. Photo: APThe sight was unexpected in a formal state setting, yet deeply familiar to those with experience of Chinese culture.In China, many people carry vacuum flasks filled with hot beverages once they pass a certain age, as warm liquids are thought to be better for digestion according to traditional Chinese medicine principles. Often, these flasks also contain herbs or berries believed to have medicinal value, such as goji berries. While it is unclear what Xi and Peng’s flasks contained, this is the most likely answer.