The menu has been unveiled for Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lavish banquet on Wednesday.Mr Xi is hosting Mr Putin this week to discuss foreign issues and trade.The Russian president arrived late on Tuesday for a two-day trip, with economic cooperation in focus as Putin eyes more energy deals with the world’s second largest economy in the face of Western sanctions.The two leaders will tuck into a meal featuring traditional Peking duck and Jinhua ham, accompanied by a blend of Chinese opera and Pyotr Tchaikovsky's iconic Swan Lake.According to Russia's state news agency TASS, the extensive menu will include an array of cold “zakuski” hors d'oeuvres, along with prawn soup, beef in bean sauce, Fuzhou noodles, pumpkin pastries, and fresh fruits. Guests will also be offered a selection of fine wines, specifically a 2009 "Greatwall" Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2016 Changyu Chardonnay.Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping tour a photo exhibition on Russia-China ties in Beijing (AFP/Getty)The cultural programme, as detailed by TASS, promises a fusion of Chinese and Russian classics performed by the military orchestra of the Chinese Communist Party's People's Liberation Army. Highlights are expected to include a melody of Peking opera and the Dance of the Little Swans from Swan Lake.Mr Xi and Mr Putin signed more than 20 agreements on trade and technology in Beijing on Wednesday.They also signed a declaration advocating for a “multi-polar world order”.The two leaders also issued a joint statement that appeared to criticise US military actions in the Middle East.In an apparent reference to the Strait of Hormuz, both nations called on countries to stop “unilaterally” interfering with international trade and supply chains.Mr Xi said China and Russia should focus on promoting a “more just and reasonable global governance system”, while Vladimir Putin stated their relations had “reached a truly unprecedented level”.However, the two countries failed to finalise details on the multi-billion dollar Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline. The Kremlin confirmed only “a general understanding” had been reached.Mr Putin’s visit comes just days after US President Donald Trump’s historic return to Beijing. Mr Trump left China last week talking up a raft of promises and agreements for smoother trade.
What’s on the menu at Xi and Putin’s lavish banquet in China
The pair will enjoy a mix of Chinese and Russian delicacies










