These encounters have added new staples, such as asparagus and broccoli, to the Cantonese larder, and have also led to some inspired moments at the wok.

ECONOMIST: Chinese food

Most of the buffets at these gatherings are lavish banquets of fresh fruit and crisp salads, broccoli rabe and herbed chicken, and grilled Chilean sea bass in such quantity that Chile must be depleted of the fish.

CNN: The politics of food: A convention digest