Xi Jinping promotes improved international understanding

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During his presidency, Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted cultural exchanges through initiating numerous activities with other countries, with the aim of paving the way for improved mutual understanding between different cultures.

"I really like him. We have good chemistry."

- US President Donald Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his US counterpart Donald Trump in the latter's Florida resort of Mar-a-Lago in the US, April 6, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

"He has a broad vision and he knows clearly where China should go and what it needs."

- Chilean President Michelle Bachelet

"He is one of the greatest leaders of our times."

- French President Emmanuel Macron

Often in international relations the key to good relations between countries lies in the affinity between peoples. That has been an approach taken by President Xi, through the intimacy he demonstrates in his exchanges with people from other countries. The approach is meant to enable the world to experience the warmth of Chinese diplomacy while utilizing his own personal charisma to also foster a love of China in countries all around the world.

Xi is a proponent of the "Diplomacy of Friendship." His presidency has been marked by a series of extremely cordial diplomatic exchanges.

In Africa, Xi’s warm diplomatic style has been viewed by many observers as an effective way to gain many friends for China.

"He is the real man. He is the real man. We will say he is a man sent from the god. May God bless China and its people."

- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Harare, Zimbabwe, Dec. 1, 2015. /Xinhua Photo

The foreign media have commented on Xi’s novel "football diplomacy." Football is not only Xi’s passion; he believes it also has the power to invigorate the country. He hopes that football can become a source of positive energy for his fellow countrymen in realizing their "Chinese dream", a concept first expressed by Xi in 2013.

"I think highly of your generation. I hope that someday an international football star may rise from China," Xi said to the Chinese players in Berlin on March 29, 2014, after watching a football game between Chinese kids and their German peers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with Chinese kid footballers and their German peers from the Wolfsburg club in Berlin, Germany, March 29, 2014. /Xinhua Photo

Xi has initiated numerous cultural exchange activities between China and other countries, with the aim of paving the way for improved mutual understanding. The approach focuses not only on the present but also keeps an eye on future developments.

At home and abroad, Xi is often seen seizing every opportunity to promote Chinese culture. Harmony and unity are concepts that can be seen running through Chinese culture for centuries, Today much of its foreign policy is bringing these values to the center of the international stage.

“Friendship derives from contacts between people, and holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Personal contacts are the most effective way of promoting friendship between countries," Xi has said.

"Through cultural dialogue and exchange we see the good of others and encourage the harmonious coexistence of the best that we all have."

Previous episodes:

Episode I: Chinese Dream powers approach to major-country diplomacy

Episode II: Can China and US avoid Thucydides Trap?

Episode III: What is China doing to raise its global influence?

Episode IV: China consolidates its position on the world stage

Episode V: China's Belt and Road Initiative aims to achieve shared progress