Former President Donald Trump presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with a custom-made statue of a bald eagle during a formal state dinner held at the White House. The gift, which features the national bird of the United States, was intended as a symbolic gesture during the diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

While the exchange was presented as a standard diplomatic courtesy, the choice of a bald eagle—a potent symbol of American sovereignty and strength—carries specific connotations in international relations. NDTV reports that the gift was custom-made for the occasion, though the report does not detail the specific reaction of the Chinese delegation or the broader context of the trade or political negotiations occurring at the time of the dinner. The event highlights the traditional use of symbolic gift-giving in high-level state visits, where leaders often exchange items intended to reflect their respective national identities or personal rapport. No further details regarding the material composition of the statue or the specific intent behind the choice of the eagle were provided in the initial reporting.