Being abroad challenges CCTV's ability to "create" and control the news.
Producers double down on CCTV's "improved" and possibly re-staged image of Xi's big speech.
The improved version (left) lacks the pesky foreigner in background (bottom right)
The setting for the summit is a vast hotel on a Bali beach
Xi Jinping meets with Indonesia's Joko Widodo to attend the virtual launch of new joint venture high-speed train.
They sit in a room and look at a big screen showing pictures of a celebration at a train station, cabin shots of train crew, the locomotive, maps, etc.
Xi says "kai-shi" and the train is remotely launched.
He applauds his command and everyone else does too.
In his summit with the Indonesian leader, Xi dispenses instructions, wisdom and advice. Widodo listens.
Widodo gets in a few words at the end, and expresses thanks to Xi.
Xi meets Italy's new leader, Giorgia Meloni
She deftly yields to the alpha male, lets him think he's top dog, let's him do the talking.
Meloni scribbles notes like a schoolgirl listening to teacher.
But her ironic smile throughout suggests she doesn't take it all that seriously
Xi doesn't do irony, so he seems pleased.
She thanks him with another smirk.
Meloni: I’m very happy to have the opportunity to meet Chairman Xi.
Our countries are both ancient civilizations
China’s a big country in Asia of growing importance, I hope we can work closely together
Xi also tries schmoozing UN chief António Guterres
The veteran diplomat plays along, but looks tired.
He upholds the one-China principle.
Meanwhile, China's first lady Peng Liyuan is viewing the local culture.
The dancers say "ni hao" and she compliments them on their Chinese.
"You should study Chinese and Chinese culture and serve as a bridge between our two nations."
During this time of trouble, the restive populace is sure to be calmed by this new publication highlighting Xi Jinping's penetrating insights into high-level science
Yet another publication by the world's greatest freelance writer:
Xi Jinping Thought on Strong Military
Why read it once when you can read it three times?
The next ten minutes is devoted to some reassuring, inspirational shots of Xi Jinping who has total control of the military and wants the world to know it.
Patrick Chovanec, a consultant at Silvercrest Asset Mgmt has done some China virtue-signaling by compiling photos about the 1989 Tiananmen demonstrations, an event he evidently knows little about.
(a thread)
To do this, he compiled over a dozen of my photos on his blog , and when I brought this to his attention, he made no effort to credit the photos or reveal where he got them from. patrickchovanec.com/about/
Some of the photos now have a life of their own on the internet, including the above photo, (caption by Chovanec) which has been used by conspiratorial pro-China bloggers as proof of a "color revolution."
;-)
A political bible with quasi-religious overtones is unveiled like a holy relic.
A book by Xi Jinping! In English!
CCTV news shows the entire table of contents
Wow. It sure looks like a gripping read. Find a comfy chair, put the kettle on and settle for a long enlightening read.
CCTV FOLLIES: 5.26
China state TV doubles down on dubious Russia claims about "secret" US bio-labs in Ukraine.
(from May 26 Xinwen Lianbo)
Anchor Li Zimeng couches the accusations in the language of Russia's Defense Ministry, but the CCTV editors like the story enough for it to get major airtime.
The Russia Defense Ministry, solid architectural monolith that it is, is portrayed as a presumably authoritative source.
Read all about it! Top of the news! Yet another much-heralded publication by the indefatigable freelance writer Xi Jinping, whose excessive narcissism is nicely balanced with pictures of himself.
Up next, a nostalgic look back to 2017 when this man was laying the foundation of today's greatness.
Among many, many other incredible, almost super-human accomplishments, he created a city out of dust.