The Hospitality of Diplomacy

The White House has hosted many important heads of state over the years. Typically, the president and first lady join the visiting leader for official talks, leisurely activities and, in many cases, a State Dinner. When Chinese Vice Premiere Deng Xiaoping (Teng Hsiao-ping) and his wife Madame Zhuo Lin came to the White House in 1979, it marked the highest-ranking Chinese guest since 1943. In honor of the ceremonial visits of heads of state, this collection explores the history, food, and protocol of official visits to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.