Xi living in a dream world

Xi Jinping stirred controversy at home with his remark to Barack Obama that the "Chinese dream is connected to the American dream".

The "Chinese dream" has become a pet phrase of Xi's since he unveiled his vision of rule in the coming decade after being named head of the Communist Party in November.

"To realise the renaissance of the Chinese nation is the greatest dream for the Chinese nation in modern history," he said.

And in a speech made after being installed as president at the end of the annual parliamentary session in March, Xi mentioned the phrase nine times.

The phrase grabbed attention at home and abroad, and was regarded as an attempt by Xi to boost his popularity by appealing to nationalism, raising fears that China would become aggressive.

Xi reassured Obama that China would remain true to the path of peaceful development, but added that "China will work hard to realise the Chinese dream of a great national renewal".