Key facts
- Xi Jinping gifted rose seeds to Donald Trump during his 2026 visit to Beijing.
- The gift was intended to symbolize friendship and long-term cooperation.
- Trump had previously expressed interest in increasing roses at the White House.
During a visit to Beijing in May 2026, then-US President Donald Trump was captivated by the roses in the Communist Party's leadership compound, Zhongnanhai. While strolling through the gardens with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump expressed his admiration for the flowers. In response, Xi Jinping gifted Trump seeds of Chinese roses, a gesture intended to symbolize friendship and long-term cooperation between the two nations amidst ongoing disputes over trade, technology, and Taiwan. Trump reportedly responded positively to the symbolic gift, which also highlighted Chinese cultural heritage and reciprocal respect in diplomacy.