CCTV FOLLIES 11/19 Of Cabbages and Kings
Any doubts that Xi was anything less than guest extraordinaire at APEC were dispelled when he was granted a palace audience.
When two men--who are above criticism by law on the pain of prison--finally meet, there's not much to say.
Any doubts that Xi was anything less than guest extraordinaire at APEC were dispelled when he was granted a palace audience.
When two men--who are above criticism by law on the pain of prison--finally meet, there's not much to say.
The Thai King waits in the ready for the arrival of the icy Emperor from the Celestial Kingdom up north.
His most lofty imperial highness arrives...
King...Emperor.
Emperor...King.
Emperor...King.
What can I say?
It's a soft power win for China, of course, or win-win as they like to put it, or is it win-win-win?
Back to non-royal news, the Thai Prime Minister invites Xi to Government House.
Big question:
Will they shake hands?
Hard to say.
Prayut's police are bashing heads on Bangkok streets, but he's nervous, wondering if Xi will shake his hand.
Big question:
Will they shake hands?
Hard to say.
Prayut's police are bashing heads on Bangkok streets, but he's nervous, wondering if Xi will shake his hand.
Not yet? Anyway there's more pomp and circumstance.
As in every summit meeting, as recorded by CCTV, Xi speaks first and does almost all the talking/lecturing/dispensing of advice. He ad-libs it, but the catchphrases come easy...cooperation, harmony, new era, development, peace.
As in every summit meeting, as recorded by CCTV, Xi speaks first and does almost all the talking/lecturing/dispensing of advice. He ad-libs it, but the catchphrases come easy...cooperation, harmony, new era, development, peace.
Evolving Xi-etiquette seems to require that rapt listeners sit motionless, hands neatly clasped, while Xi expounds with his hands, pointing, gesturing, nagging, etc.
PM Prayut listens intently, nodding now and then, but not nodding off, that would be a no-no.
He chances a smile.
The only real break in Sino-Thai protocol comes from certain accompanying Thai officials, perhaps over-sensitive to the need for reciprocity, who refuse to mask up.
He chances a smile.
The only real break in Sino-Thai protocol comes from certain accompanying Thai officials, perhaps over-sensitive to the need for reciprocity, who refuse to mask up.
When Prayut finally gets to speak, he wastes his allotted time on fixed phrases, such as... congratulations on the soaring victory of the 20th congress and your accession to continued rule...the last ten years.... etc.,etc
Unlike the freely expounding Xi, Prayut reads a script
Unlike the freely expounding Xi, Prayut reads a script
But the big question is, will they shake hands?
It looks like it's going to happen, though I almost expected Xi to pull away his mitt at the last minute.
But no, Prayut finally gets that long sought-after shake.
But no, Prayut finally gets that long sought-after shake.
Even in Thailand, which is another country, one can detect the pressure to conform to the Chinese-style posing that CCTV excels in, mostly stiff line-ups and rote ranking of officials.
Kudos to Peng Liyuan for adding a touch of warmth and culturally sensitive behavior to the show.
Peng likes to "wai" which goes over great in Thailand (she also did it in Bali where it isn't as much of a thing)
She's in tune with Thai etiquette, except when pointing at things.
Peng likes to "wai" which goes over great in Thailand (she also did it in Bali where it isn't as much of a thing)
She's in tune with Thai etiquette, except when pointing at things.
The seating arrangement, familiar to Thais who expect the royal family to be up, front, in center ....and apart... seems to work well with members of the Xi dynasty, too.
Peng Liyuan expresses her hope that more Thais will study gu-zheng and other Chinese instruments.
In the vacuum of American influence created by Biden's non-attendance, one expectantly awaits for VP Kamala Harris to make a show, if not a splash.
But no dice.
CCTV only mentions "the lady vice-president" in passing after a 5-minute segment (a repeat) on the Sultan of Brunei.
But no dice.
CCTV only mentions "the lady vice-president" in passing after a 5-minute segment (a repeat) on the Sultan of Brunei.
But if you scour CCTV's establishing shots of Xi's APEC address carefully, the representative of the USA can be detected in the bottom left corner.
A zoom in on the CCTV footage to get a better look.
Although CCTV took pains to note that Xi Jinping deigned to meet Kamala Harris upon her specific request, there was no footage of the US-China meeting aired on the news.
@threadreaderapp compile
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
