Premier Li Keqiang takes to the world's stage with ease
Li Keqiang's first foreign mission as head of government continues Wen's 'friendly face' strategy
On his maiden, eight-day diplomatic trip as premier, Li Keqiang not only engaged in serious bilateral talks but also attempted to show his personable side to boost the image of the Chinese leadership.
Li expressed his appreciation of foreign culture and appeared self-confident when touching on sensitive issues.
Li's power as the No2 in the Communist Party hierarchy is consolidated, and thus he is more confident
Li's predecessor, Wen Jiabao always used overseas trips to show his human side, reinforcing the "Grandpa Wen" image he cultivated at home by showing his affection for the impoverished and those struck by disasters. On an "ice-melting trip" to Japan in 2007, Wen donned a baseball jersey and practised pitching and batting with university students in Kyoto.
But his remarks to Chinese communities overseas often raised eyebrows, as he used such occasions to call for political reform back home. In one meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Wen said China would be invincible if only its people could think independently. He also often quoted lines from Chinese poems.
Li did not make any such remarks on his trip and also steered clear of reciting classical Chinese. And his meetings with members of Chinese communities were mostly closed to the Hong Kong media.
But Li did surprise people by opting for a vegetarian meal at a dinner hosted by Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.