Xi’s remarks on pop culture

"Moreover, international society’s attention for China has also risen, they want to understand China, they want to understand the Chinese people’s worldview, view of life and values, they want to know Chinese people’s views on nature, the world, history and the future, they want to know the gamut of emotions among the Chinese people, they want to know Chinese historical traditions, customs and habits, the characteristics of its nation, etc. It is far from sufficient to merely rely on news bulletins and official presentations in this matter, and to rely on the foreign masses to come to China themselves to understand and feel it also has its limits. So literature and art are the best methods of exchange, they may play an irreplaceable role in this area, a novel, an essay, a poem, a painting, a photo, a film, a television drama, a piece of music, can all provide a unique angle on understanding China to foreigners, and can attract people, infect people and move people with their own charm."

-- President Xi’s speech at the Forum on Literature and Art in Beijing, Oct. 15, 2014, in Beijing

Xi has spoken about his understanding of pop culture on multiple occasions.

Story 1

On July 19, 2014, President Xi Jinping visited Argentina, at which time he met with Amado Boudou, former vice-president, and Julián Domínguez, former president of the Chamber of Deputies.

After their meeting, Xi gave a set of DVDs including two Chinese hit dramas and a Chinese movie as China’s gifts to Argentina.

Amado Boudou (2nd L), former Argentine vice-president, gives a number 10 jersey to Xi Jinping (2nd R) after their meeting, July 19, 2014. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Story 2

From June 7 to 10, 2017, Xi made a state visit to Kazakhstan, prior to which he published a signed article under the title of "May China-Kazakhstan Relationship Fly High Toward Our Shared Aspirations" in the Kazakh newspaper Aikyn Gazeti.

In his article, President Xi Jinping said that the Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen is now a household name in China. Popular Chinese films or TV shows, such as A Bite of China or Family On the Go, have captivated more and more Kazakh viewers.

A local citizen reads President Xi Jinping’s signed article published in Aikyn Gazeti in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, June 7, 2017. (People’s Daily/Zhou Hanbo)

Over recent years, China and Kazakhstan have seen increasingly closer cultural exchanges and economic and trade interaction from the two governments to local communities.

"We need a mind that is broader than the sky as we approach different civilizations. An attitude of equality and modesty is required if one wants to truly understand various civilizations," said Xi.

All countries should encourage exchanges among different cultures to promote diversification of civilizations and the world’s peaceful development.