Fast-food and beverage companies are expanding in both directions between China and the United States, creating what Yaling Jiang, founder of ApertureChina, calls business- and consumer-led gastrodiplomacy (cultural ties through food). American chains are targeting China's customer base, which is four times the size of the U.S. population, while Chinese brands are looking abroad as weak consumer spending, a real estate slump and intense domestic competition constrain growth. Church's Texas Chicken, Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King are increasing their Chinese footprints, while Mixue, Heytea, Luckin Coffee and Wallace are entering or expanding in the United States. The opportunity is substantial: the U.S. generates one-third of global restaurant revenue despite having about 4% of the world's population. But Chinese brands remain largely untested in the U.S. and may face backlash, tariffs and scrutiny over customer data, while American chains must adapt menus and rely on Chinese partners to manage local conditions.