[Beijing Diary] The Politics of Meetings in China

Recently, the high-profile political and business figures from the United States who visited China can be divided into two groups: those who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and those who did not. In China’s political system, where every detail of the itinerary, timing, and background related to the head of state is meticulously calculated and prepared, examining who meets the president can reveal hidden subtexts.

President Xi seems to decide whom to meet based on their relationship with him and their stance toward China. The criteria may include not only diplomatic timeliness but also statements on China’s core interests such as the “One China” policy, opinions on the recently intensifying supply chain conflicts, and expressions or evaluations directed personally at President Xi.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

In this context, the meeting with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger carries significant symbolism. On the 20th, President Xi personally met and sat down with the 100-year-old American political elder. He said, “The Chinese cherish friendship,” and added, “We will never forget the historic contributions of this long-time friend who has promoted the development of China-U.S. relations and strengthened friendship between our peoples.” They faced each other across a small table in front of a giant plum blossom painting. In China, the plum blossom, which blooms despite the cold, symbolizes the will to overcome hardships. Its flower language represents resilience and nobility. In the photo, President Xi is smiling brightly.

The atmosphere was somewhat different during the meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken on the 19th. At that time, President Xi sat in front of a landscape painting titled “Spring in Wuyi (武夷之春),” depicting the overwhelming mountainous scenery of the famous Wuyi Mountains. Judging by the painting, the meeting took place in the Fujian Hall of the Great Hall of the People. The Great Hall has halls named after provinces, and Xi specifically chose the Fujian Hall, which faces the Taiwan Strait. On his left sat Chinese officials including State Councilor Wang Yi, and on his right, Secretary Blinken and his delegation were seated in a row, arranged as if presiding over a meeting. The Chinese government’s official website and media released images showing all attendees attentively listening to President Xi’s remarks.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Three days before meeting Blinken, President Xi met with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in a warm and friendly setting. Photos were released showing them smiling and conversing across a small table less than one meter wide. Behind them hung a painting by artist Liu Haisu inscribed with a classical poem expressing “loyalty to the country and gratitude (報國心).” President Xi referred to Gates, who has made generous donations to China in various forms, as a “friend.”

In China’s one-party system, all judgments and decisions are made at the pinnacle of power held by the president, and the results are disseminated downward. What President Xi favors is good; what he finds uncomfortable is uncomfortable. This applies not only to domestic affairs but also to diplomacy and the economy, which is both China’s strength and tragedy. However, major countries including the United States maintain networks of contacts with whom President Xi is willing to meet and engage. This is a deliberate “choice” based on a thorough calculation of gains and losses, not mere appeasement or submission.

When this line of thought is developed, an unavoidable question arises: what China-originated messages is South Korea reading? None. Regardless of party affiliation, past or present, politics or business, is there anyone maintaining a strategic relationship and friendship with President Xi? There is none. Is this a calculated absence or a complete lack of calculation? This question must be clarified first.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.