Phil Cunningham Profile picture
Nov 21 13 tweets 7 min read
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. ImageImageImage
The big story is the uptick in Covid cases and the crackdown on those who don't follow orders. ImageImage
Sun Chunlan, CCP's Covid Czarina, is on the scene, hectoring locals to get with the program and do a better job. Image
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. Image
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. ImageImageImage
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. Image
One kid takes the "huang pifu" idea literally and colors the character in yellow, but other kids have other ideas. ImageImage
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. ImageImageImageImage
Qatar is hot. The stadium is very modern. The stadium has air-conditioning. ImageImageImage
And tonight's news was brought to you by the usual suspects in the distillery business.. ImageImage
What a fragrance. Image
Hard drinks for hard times. Image
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More from @jinpeili

Nov 22
CCTV FOLLIES 11/22 Night News
Another day with no Xi-shine, but the man's name glows everywhere in big characters whenever he utters a word.

-"Democratic" parties pledge to follow lead of CCP
-Qatar is far out
-Indonesia earthquake
-Let it snow
-Ukraine update? ImageImage
Democratic party members meet, view museum of CCP exploits, promise to implement the important line of the 20th congress, pledge fealty to CCP ImageImageImageImage
Sun Chunlan in Moscow for talks?
No, it's Zoom time.
She "meets" with Tatiana Golikova to discuss Sino-Russian joint interest in the humanities. ImageImageImageImage
Read 18 tweets
Nov 20
Anyone who's been in Thailand for a day quickly realizes that Thais express greetings with a "wai."

To extend good will, you don't clap, don't point and tend not to shake hands.

Peng Liyuan picked up on this right away.

Her husband, not so much.
He claps and claps and claps.
He continues clapping while Peng Liyuan's birthday cake is cut. Happy 60!

@Rajprasong_News
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
Read 5 tweets
Nov 20
They all got played by Xi, except for maybe Trudeau

jinpeili.substack.com/p/cctv-follies…
Japan and US set the tone, followed by...
Brunei, Philippines, Chile and Singapore
The same dynamic was evident in Bali with Guterres and Meloni...
Read 8 tweets
Nov 19
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. ImageImageImageImage
The Thai King waits in the ready for the arrival of the icy Emperor from the Celestial Kingdom up north. Image
His most lofty imperial highness arrives... Image
Read 22 tweets
Nov 19
CCTV FOLLIES 11/18 TALE OF TWO CITIES:

Same city, same time

ELITE BANGKOK as seen by CCTV
STREET BANGKOK as seen by Thai TV and social media
APEC elite wining, dining and enjoying gentile entertainment while protected by massive coercive police force
"Down with APEC"... "Smash capitalism"
Read 17 tweets
Nov 18
CCTV FOLLIES 11/18 APEC gone Amok

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.
Read 17 tweets

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