Donald Trump's state dinner with Xi Jinping in Beijinghas become the subject of widespread online speculation after social media users focused on the behaviour of hospitality staff serving members of the US delegation.

Clips recorded during the summit on 14 and 15 May show attendants in red uniforms moving through the banquet hall and observing guests during the formal dinner. The videos have circulated widely across X, Threads, and Reddit, where some users speculated that the staff may have been monitoring conversations or closely observing American officials.

No evidence has emerged to support those claims, and neither US nor Chinese officials have suggested the banquet staff were involved in espionage activity. However, the clips have attracted significant online attention amid continuing tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology and national security.

Social media users widely shared clips showing banquet staff watching guests and moving between tables during the dinner. Hong Kong broadcasterPhoenix Televisiondescribed the servers as 'highly focused and meticulous' while sharing footage from the banquet online.

A post shared by 鳳凰資訊 PhoenixTVNews（凤凰资讯） (@phoenixtv_news)

Some users described the staff as unusually focused or highly observant, while others interpreted their behaviour as suspicious. One widely shared caption claimed the workers were 'trained intelligence officers or spies', although no supporting evidence was provided.

Users on X, TikTok and Reddit closely analysed the staff's movements and interactions with guests.

The discussion also sparked debate about surveillance and security at high-level diplomatic events.China's National Intelligence Lawrequires organisations and citizens to support state intelligence work when requested by authorities, a provision that has previously drawn scrutiny from Western governments and security officials.

High-level diplomatic events are also governed by extensive security procedures involving screened personnel, restricted access areas and coordination between state security agencies and event organisers.

Former US officials have previously acknowledged that American delegations travelling abroad often follow strict security guidance, including limitations on electronic devices and procedures involving gifts or sensitive materials.

Source: International Business Times UK