A powerhouse line-up mixing Hollywood, diplomacy and corporate America streamed into the White House for President Barack Obama’s lavish state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The White House invited Apple CEO Tim Cook and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, among others to sit at the dinner’s head table alongside US President Barack Obama and President Xi.
Here are some top moments from the lavish dinner:
US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchange toasts during the state dinner at the White House. The two discussed a range of issues, including regional tensions in Asia and cyber crimes. Photograph: Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images
And here’s the moment everyone waited for. As the US president and First Lady stood with China’s president and the First Lady, everyone began with a little fashion war between the two first ladies. Michelle Obama stunned in a black, off-the-shoulder mermaid gown created by Chinese-American designer Vera Wang. Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, also a fashion-savvy first lady, selected an embellished silk gown in rich aquamarine. Who won the face-off? You decide… Photograph: Mary F. Calvert/Reuters
US President Barack Obama touches his glass in a toast to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s spouse Madame Peng Liyuan as Xi joins in, during the State Dinner at the White House, in Washington. Mushroom soup, poached Maine lobster, grilled cannon of Colorado lamb and poppyseed bread and butter pudding was served to the guests at the dinner. Photograph: Mike Theiler/Reuters
Mark Zuckerberg, Chairman and CEO of Facebook, and his wife Priscilla Chan arrive for the official State dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the White House in Washington. Photograph: Reuters
President and CEO of Mastercard Ajay Banga and Ritu Banga arrive for a state dinner in honor of Chinese President President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the White House. Photograph: Chris Kleponis-Pool/Getty Images