CCTV FOLLIES 7.7 Can you see what Xi sees?
15 minutes of Xi pointing at things! -Xi wants China to up its chip game -Janet Yellen gets pep talk from Li Qiang -Russia's targeting is "precise" -Anti Japan news section blooms -Bad US bank news!
Xi Jinping is in Suzhou on a study tour but it’s really Suzhou that is studying him.
During site inspections of modern electronics plants Xi dispenses sage advice.
The paramount leader is shown gazing meaningfully at a mock-up metropolis, pointing out some fascinating detail missed by the others. (he’s the one in the middle, arm-outstretched, everyone else is looking at what he is looking at)
The study tour continues apace. Everyone is learning so much because their leader knows so much. He points, waves, gesticulates, signals, focuses, touches and seems to operate on the principle that whatever catches his eye must be of obligatory interest to everyone assembled.
The inspection tour reception is nothing short of rapt, as is official coverage:
During his visit to Suzhou HYC Technology Co Ltd, Xi expressed his delight in observing that all the research and development personnel at the company are young. He remarked that China's modernization drive offers immense opportunities for young people.
On Thursday morning, Xi strolled through the Pingjiang Historic and Cultural Block, a site with a rich history spanning over 2,500 years.
He noted that the fine traditional Chinese culture embodies qualities such as resilience, patience, and perseverance, which have become an integral part of the Chinese national spirit.
Even when strolling the Pingjiang neighborhood astride one of Suzhou’s famed canals, Xi is at it again, compulsively pointing at things that others must look at with feigned interest as a show of respect.
He’s the Secretary General, but he walks the streets of Suzhou just like an ordinary commoner, moving forward by putting one leg after another. When it comes to silk embroidery and other fine handicrafts, Xi Jinping is your man. He lectures the adoring local workers. He mixes with a pre-selected, carefully vetted crowd of common people with no overt security in view. More ordinary people gaze longingly from the far side of the canal.
The leader of the people has won over the people by being one with the people.
During his well-received study tour of Suzhou and Nanjing, the paramount leader gives profound advice to cadres at all levels.
Xi is so concerned about boosting China’s chip capacity he might be thought of as Mr. Chips, or perhaps, “Comrade Chips.”
When the applause finally dies down, galaxy brain Xi Jinping gives some detailed advice as to how to make Chinese chips bigger, better, faster. Well, maybe not bigger, but good. The key, he says, with echoes of the folksy Mao, is to put one foot forward at a time, one after the other.
Li Qiang greets Janet Yellen in front of the cameras.
Small delegations from each side sit on opposite sides of the room. Body language is business casual, crossed legs, relaxed poses, indifferent airs.
Li Qiang dominates the meeting as CCTV shows it, but that’s CCTV.
The American visitor is shown listening politely to her host.
When Janet Yellen finally gets in a few words, Li Qiang looks slightly incredulous, as if unsure of how to react or what to do with himself.
In another meeting, politburo big Ding Xuexiang speaks about an economic survey on televised meeting as scribes scribble.
Global Youth Conference shines bright
Pan Pearl River Delta Regional Cooperation Chief Executive Joint Conference!
New Era Youth mournfully remember the sacrifices made by their brave Communist forebears. What a joy to be a youth in New Era China!
The non-China news opens with Russian MoD footage of Ukraine under bombardment. CCTV stresses that Russia is careful about its targets, going mostly for ammo dumps and Western-supplied weapons depots. They’re always claiming the destruction of HIMARS systems to drive home the point.
South Koreans continue to protest Japan’s plans to release irradiated water at the Fukushima nuclear plant. CCTV is on an anti-Japan crusade and Fukushima is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice gift of spooky, bad water that keeps on giving.
Showing Seoul protest is a two-for-one shot for CCTV because it also serves to widen the wedge between Korea and Japan, and, not surprisingly, this protest gets major air time.
Japanese citizens are also concerned and some are very critical. They launch a signature drive denouncing their government’s Fukushima policy.
(nice screen shot taken from Japanese TV)
Would CCTV dare show similar scenes of internal dissent and protest in China?)
Canada wildfires continue to burn.
And the news closes on a gloomy note about the sad state of American banks.
Zai jian!
