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Henry Kissinger treated to lavish lunch as China gives US diplomat blessings of longevity
- Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke fondly of the 100-year-old former US secretary of state at a lavish lunch
- The elaborate table setting was packed with cultural significance, including symbols of good health and longevity
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When an “old friend” of China comes to visit, no effort is too much to make the diplomatic heavyweight feel welcome.
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That was the case for former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger on Thursday, when the Chinese government treated him to an elaborate lunch – one that was packed with cultural significance as President Xi Jinping spoke fondly of his “old friend” who celebrated his 100th birthday in May.
The meeting took place at the No 5 Villa of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the same place where Kissinger met Chinese leadership in his first China visit back in 1971.
The table was decorated with a sprawling miniature landscape, featuring bright flowers surrounding a running stream and bridge, which Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said represented the “bridge between China and the United States”.
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China treats ‘old friend’ Kissinger to a lavish lunch
China treats ‘old friend’ Kissinger to a lavish lunch
In a video posted by CCTV which showed snippets from the lunch, the broadcaster also said the lush mountains and glistening waters in the landscape symbolised the long-lasting friendship between the two countries.
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