On the afternoon of May 22, Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping visited Rizhao City for inspection and research, where he visited the Rizhao Port and Sunshine Coast Greenway.
Observers noted that within a 10-kilometer radius of Xi Jinping’s visit, security measures were stringent. Beaches along the route were meticulously searched, with frogmen on guard in the sea, ensuring even unauthorized birds couldn’t enter.
Despite the tight security, Xi Jinping surprisingly “encountered” a couple taking wedding photos, several amateur cyclists, and some members of the public at the Rizhao Sunshine Coast Greenway.
Footage and photos released by state media showed Xi Jinping approaching the cyclists and asking, “Who are you?” They identified themselves as “amateur cyclists,” prompting Xi Jinping to make a speech, advising them to take care of their health and build better families.
The orchestrated encounter was evident as the participants were later revealed to be actors. On May 28, a netizen revealed on an overseas platform that the cyclists were actually high-ranking military officials and government staff, further illustrating the staged nature of the event.
These scripted encounters are not uncommon when Xi Jinping goes on inspection tours. In the past, similar situations have been orchestrated during his visits to different regions.
Before Xi Jinping became General Secretary, he had served in various leadership roles for over 30 years, experiencing numerous visits by higher-ranking leaders. It’s inconceivable that he wouldn’t be aware of the protocols and conventions surrounding these visits.
Such staged scenarios aim to showcase the leader interacting with the public, emphasizing his concern for and connection with the people. This performance is part of a larger narrative aimed at manipulating public perception.
Xi Jinping’s familiarity with such staged events makes it likely that he is aware of the orchestrated nature of these encounters. The primary goal is to create an image of a leader who is approachable and deeply connected to the masses, ultimately serving as a tool of propaganda.
When Xi Jinping stands on the Sunshine Coast Greenway, blessing a couple taking wedding photos and offering advice to cyclists, he knows that these moments will be broadcasted and reported nationwide, shaping public opinion and garnering support. This theatricality serves his narrative of being a leader who is relatable and caring, resonating with those still under the influence of the Communist Party’s propaganda.