World leaders and their China tours
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British Prime Minister David Cameron (L) enjoys Chinese tea at the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan province, Dec 4, 2013. Du Fu was a famous Chinese poet in Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) [Photo/Xinhua] |
More than a high speed train ride and a hotpot
Prior to his state visit to China from Monday to Wednesday, British Prime Minister David Cameron expressed excitement at the anticipation of a ride in a Chinese high speed train and a hotpot in Chengdu, giving a touch of informality to the official event.
Over the past few years, world leaders like Cameron have often shown that they share the same interests in China as ordinary tourists, "signaling that they really like the country", according to Yu Jun, professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance who has studied public diplomacy for years.
Expert "chi huo"
Chi huo, the Chinese equivalent of "foodie", referring to someone who has an ardent interest in food, is a buzzword in China. Now, in the eyes of many Chinese netizens, Cameron can add it to his resume. As a matter of fact, many other world leaders share Cameron's fondness for Chinese food.
During his visit to China, US President Obama demonstrated considerable proficiency in using chopsticks, considered by many as evidence that he had had plenty of experience eating Chinese food.
Former French president Jacques Chirac enjoyed his favorites Beichuan bean jelly (liang fen) and Sichuan Flavored Secret Recipe Chicken (shu xiang jia chuan ji).
The US Vice President Joe Biden ordered Noodles with soy bean paste (zha jiang mian) in a chao gan'er restaurant that serves traditional Beijing dishes.
And Russian Prime Minister Medvedev sipped Maofeng tea from the Yellow Mountains.
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