Chinese leader Xi Jinping appeared very cordial and diplomatic in his public remarks when U.S. President Donald Trump was visiting China this week.
Trump, on the other hand, was more candid when describing his relationship with Xi, calling him “a very special man.” In Beijing, Trump said he had “great respect” and “incredibly warm” feelings for his Chinese counterpart.
Trump speaks with Xi, as First Lady Melania Trump and Xi's wife Peng Liyuan look on, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Nov. 9, 2017. Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
Perhaps China’s state-run media would provide a clue into what Xi really thinks about his diplomatic partner, given that the publications often express official viewpoints.
The newspaper Global Times, which is published by state mouthpiece People’s Daily, ran an editorial on Nov. 9 titled, “Why the Chinese public for the most part like Trump.”
It is unusual to see the Global Times speak positively of a U.S. president, since the newspaper is known for its belligerently nationalistic stance on international issues.
In October, for example, following the Las Vegas mass shooting, it published an editorial criticizing the United States as a bad example for the rest of the world.
With the timing of an important state visit from the U.S. president himself, it may have been politically advantageous to lend some good words.
Trump and Xi leave a business leaders event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 9, 2017. Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
The editorial gave several reasons why Chinese citizens have taken a liking to Trump, including his “straightforward personality” and “pragmatism” in dealing with China, noting that “so far he hasn’t brought up human rights and other such messy things to nag China about.”
Cooperation the “only correct choice” for China-US relations: Xi https://t.co/ytKnbKCl72 #TrumpInChina pic.twitter.com/xQq4XsAEEc
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 9, 2017
The article also pointed out that Trump’s open praise for Xi, his successful children, and Mandarin-speaking granddaughter are all a plus in the Chinese people’s book.
On behalf of @FLOTUS Melania and I, THANK YOU for an unforgettable afternoon and evening at the Forbidden City in Beijing, President Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan. We are looking forward to rejoining you tomorrow morning! https://t.co/ma0F7SHbVU
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2017
Xi won’t tell us his true feelings in public, but these state-approved comments about Trump are certainly an implicit endorsement.
