Xi Jinping calls for more ‘loveable’ image for China in bid to make friends

Daily US Times: China’s President Xi Jinping has said he wants the country to “expand its circle of friends” by revamping its image of more ‘loveable’.

According to a report by state-run news agency Xinhua, the Chinese president told senior Communist Party officials it was important to present an image of a “credible, loveable and respectable China”.

It marks a possible shift in Beijing’s diplomatic approach, which analysts and experts say has become increasingly antagonistic.

The comments came amid deteriorating relations with major global powers.

China has faced criticism over crackdown on Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners and human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority group, among other issues.

The country recently denounced US efforts to further investigate the origin of Covid-19, accusing the Americans of “political manipulation and blame shifting”.

On Monday, Mr Xi told officials it was important for China to tell its story in a positive way.

He was quoted by Xinhua as saying: “It is necessary to make friends, unite and win over the majority, and constantly expand the circle of friends [when it comes to] international public opinion.”

He said China should be “open and confident, but also modest and humble” in its communication with the world.

Xi Jinping also said the party’s propaganda organisations must make it clear that China wanted “nothing but the Chinese people’s happiness and good fortune”.

The China Daily newspaper said that it was expected to “stay true to its duty of bridging China and the world for greater communication”.

Analysts said Mr Xi’s remarks marked a rare admission of China’s isolation.

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