President Xi Jinping of China could be forgiven for splashing out a little bit yesterday in the banquet he and his glamorous wife, singer Madame Peng Liyuan, hosted for special guests in Bo'ao, including Prime Minister John Key.
It was his first opportunity since taking over the helm of the largest country in the world to host an array of world figures as one of the most powerful leaders in the world.
But excess is not his style. In the short time since Mr Xi was anointed as leader in November, he has embarked upon a campaign to eliminate the culture of excess in party officials, the copious array of dishes at banquets for officials and endless rounds of moutai [local liquor] toasts.
The shorthand for his drive has been "four courses and a soup", by Chinese standards a very modest meal, and the catchcry has been "order according to one's needs".
The slogan emerged after the President had a well publicised spartan meal in Hebei province in December comprising only braised chicken, stir fried pork, garlic shoots with chrysanthemum stems, local Fuping stew, and pork and melon soup.
