Four years, 24 tours, 154 days. These figures are a sketch of President Xi's foreign tours. How did he spend those days? A calendar gives you the answers.
On March 22, 2013, Xi started his first foreign tour as Chinese president. He visited the snow-covered Russia and then flew to Africa under scorching heat. During his visit to Russia, the two sides reached important consensus. In Africa, Xi elaborated China’s Africa policy, which was well-received by African people. The visit lasted nine days.
The 9-day record is not the longest. It was beaten by his 11-day record twice. Xi also set a record of making three foreign trips within one month. During those three foreign tours, Xi attended four international meetings, delivered important speeches, reaching a new height of multilateral diplomacy.
154 days equal more than five months. In other words, Xi has spent more than one month on foreign visits every year. Of those days, 34 days are from weekends, six days from China’s National Day holiday, one day from Mid-Autumn Festival, and one day from the Spring Festival. These account for one-third of the entire time of Xi’s foreign tours. On Feb. 6, 2014, while Chinese people were still celebrating their Spring Festival, Xi was already on his way to Sochi, Russia.
President Xi once joked, "It is quite a 'luxury' to spend so much time on foreign trips, but it is very necessary." To make the best of time, Xi often wrapped up daily events as late as midnight, and had his flights arranged in the deep of night.
Speaking of his tight schedule, we may have a look at May 8, 2015. On that day, President Xi had 27 hours.
At 9 am local time, Xi wrapped up his visit to Kazakhstan and left for Russia. Flying for three hours, Xi arrived in Moscow, still at 09:00 local time. Three hours extra, but not enough for the tight schedule.
At the airport, Xi reviewed three-service honor of guards and then headed to the Kremlin after a short stay in a hotel.
After a one-on-one talk with President Putin for more than one hour, they continued group discussions, which lasted until afternoon.
Then they attended an agreement signing ceremony and met the press. As many as 33 agreements were signed.
His activities in the Kremlin were over, but he still could not have a rest.
Shortly after returning to the hotel, Xi met with representatives of Russian veterans who fought on the battlefield in China during the Anti-Japanese Aggression War, and awarded commemorative medals to them.
Followed by that, he met with representatives of Russian experts aiding China. Night already fell in Moscow when he said goodbye to them.
It's quite normal for Xi to work at full capacity during foreign tours.
He took every opportunity available at meetings, conferences, speeches to introduce the achievements in China's reform and opening up, exchange experiences in governance, promote China's 'Two Centenary Goals', and advocate for peaceful development.
The untiring efforts have produced rich fruits. During these four years, China's overall diplomatic layout becomes clear and profound. China solution and China's contribution have struck a chord worldwide. China has acted as a responsible major power on the international arena.
Director General: He Ping
Final Reviewer: Zhou Shuchun
Reviewer: Ni Siyi
Directors: Tian Shubin, Wang Jinfu, Liu Jiawen
Executives: Xia Xiaopeng, Han Lin, Ma Yiqun, Tang Danlu
Creation: Peng Chun, Lei Manyu
Editors: Xu Qian, Liu Dan, Zhang Dan, Dong Xiaojiao, Wang Junjing, Shen Bingjie, Zhang Dongmiao
Production: Zhang Zhiguo, Zhang Zhen, Shi Chao, Hu Yuecong, Sheng Ruili
Voice: Liu Jiawen
Music: Sun Xin
