Salmon, pea cake & more: Inside the grand lunch for world leaders after China's military parade

China put its military muscle on full display on Wednesday, as troops marched in perfect formation and missiles, drones, and tanks rolled through Tiananmen Square, lined with thousands of spectators.

The 70-minute parade, held to mark the 80th anniversary of China’s victory against “Japanese aggression” in World War II, was as much about symbolism as it was about muscle power.

At the front row of guests were some of Beijing’s closest allies, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, pariahs in the West due to the Ukraine war and Kim’s nuclear ambitions. A picture of the power trio is going viral, which shows their bonhomie, a clear signal of their united front against the US-led world order.

But the display of might didn’t end with tanks and fighter jets. Once the parade was over, world leaders were invited to a grand state lunch which was designed to impress as much as the weapons on show.

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Here’s what we know about the grand gala

What’s on the menu? 

As Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed fellow world leaders for lunch in Beijing, the setting at the Great Hall of the People was as grand as the guest list.

Inside the large banquet hall, round tables were draped in white tablecloths, adorned with flowers, wine glasses, name cards, and even panda-shaped chopstick rests.

According to Hong Kong-based state-linked newspaper Wen Wei Po, the spread blended Chinese culinary tradition with global flavours.

On the menu: chicken soup with conch meat and lily bulbs, roasted lamb chops, stir-fried lobster with crab meat, roe and egg white, a clear scallop consommé with assorted mushrooms, and roasted salt-marinated salmon with creamy mustard sauce.

For wine, guests could choose between Syrah or Riesling – both produced by the Chinese winemaker Great Wall in Hebei province.

To round things off, there was fried rice, pea cake, and a mango mousse cake for dessert.

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Xi makes a toast 

During the reception at the Great Hall of the People, Xi delivered a five-minute speech before raising his glass.

“Eighty years ago, after 14 years of bloody struggle, the Chinese people completely defeated the Japanese militarist aggressors and declared the final victory of the World Anti-Fascist War,” he said.

“This was a historic turning point for the Chinese nation, marking the shift from a period of deep national crisis toward great national rejuvenation. It was also a major turning point in the development of the world.”

He emphasised that China would “never forget the foreign governments and international friends” who had supported its fight against aggression. He did not name the United States, despite Donald Trump saying he hoped Xi would acknowledge America’s role in 1945.

Holding up a glass of red wine, Xi struck a tone of peace, “Strength may prevail for a time, but over the long arc of history, it is reason that wins. Justice, light, and progress will always triumph over evil, darkness, and reaction.”

Also read: 'Axis of upheaval': Putin and Kim flank Xi at Victory Day parade as China showcases military might

Who was in attendance?

The event drew 26 foreign leaders, among them Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and heads of state from Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe and several Central Asian nations.

From South Asia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu were all present. Kim Yo Jong, the influential and outspoken sister of Kim Jong-un, also attended, her growing role in North Korea’s political stage adding extra intrigue.

After the parade, Putin and Kim sat down for formal talks in Beijing. Footage from Russia’s state agency Tass showed the two leaders side by side, speaking through interpreters.

With input from agencies