CCTV FOLLIES 11/21 Late evening news
Xi doesn't dominate the news today, he's probably sleeping or self-isolating after shaking so many hands at G-20 and APEC, but a day without Xi news at CCTV is like a day without sunshine, so his name dominates the news open anyway.
The big story is the uptick in Covid cases and the crackdown on those who don't follow orders.
Sun Chunlan, CCP's Covid Czarina, is on the scene, hectoring locals to get with the program and do a better job.
Basically Xi's policy of Zero-Covid can't be dropped lest he lose face, so China's go-it-alone policy of draconian mass lock downs is still in play and the policy is bestowed a scientific veneer.
The loveliest segment in the news today is about a new school in a minority village in Sichuan, seen here with some impressive aerial establishing shots.
But one has to wonder why minorities are always asked to dance for the CCP overlords. They don't insist on that in Han population areas.
One kid takes the "huang pifu" idea literally and colors the character in yellow, but other kids have other ideas.
And then there's the World Cup in Qatar. It's all upbeat reporting, everyone's happy, no complaints.
No horror stories of abused workers
No stories about banning rainbow themed armbands
Not a peep of dissent
Qatar and China are exploring expanded business links.
Qatar is hot. The stadium is very modern. The stadium has air-conditioning.
And tonight's news was brought to you by the usual suspects in the distillery business..
Another round of "wai" greetings are exchanged and Xi is still clapping, hands somewhere around his belly.
What's with Xi and applause?
It is required etiquette when Xi visits troops and civilians in China, and as in North Korea, it can be sustained for an insane amount of time
Xi stirs up Bangkok
China dominates rote proceedings
Hailing new emperor in land of kings
Kowtows, clasped hands
Cheers for 20th congress, Belt and Road and recitation of "One China" Policy
Waiting for Xi, Thai leader gets no respect
Thai Prime Minister Prayut went to the airport and waited in hot sun to greet Xi with a polite bow.
Protocol was such that only the visiting "Emperor and Empress" went unmasked.
Locals and social subordinates, such as Thai Prime Minister and APEC host Prayut, had to mask up.
Xi wasn't too keen on shaking Prayut's hand either.
Not as iconic as John Foster Dulles refusing the outstretched hand of Zhou Enlai in 1954, but it must sting nonetheless.