Apec leaders treated to colourful spectacle as Beijing plays host
The road there was red and the most popular suit choice was burgundy
China rolled out a hi-tech red carpet as foreign heads of state gathered last night at the Water Cube, the famed swimming venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for a gala dinner on the eve of the Apec Economic Leaders' meeting.
The roads outside the stadium lit up gradually as the diplomatic vehicles approached. With the exception of US President Barack Obama, who rode in his armoured Cadillac, most state leaders arrived in a chauffeured Red Flag limousine, China's signature vehicle.
They were welcomed by a swarm of volunteers and performers in ethnic dress, cheering and dancing despite the chilly 10 degrees Celsius night, with the traditional Chinese welcoming song in the background.
China chose the Water Cube as the dinner venue because water symbolises the "supreme good", President Xi Jinping said in his opening speech.
"The highest good is like water," Xi said, quoting the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tse . "It nurtures all life and does so not for selfish reasons. We are brought together by the water [the Olympic pool] tonight for peace and cooperation."
The male leaders showed up in Chinese-style suits with jacquard brocade, decorative patterns that reflect the waves of the sea, stand-up collars and raglan sleeves. The women leaders and wives of state leaders, also wore Chinese style clothing with a feminine flare.
Xi described the 2014 Apec fashion as a traditional Chinese custom with a modern touch. "The ladies are particularly glamorous tonight. You have lit up the banquet hall," he said in his speech.
Designer Wu Qingqing said the clothing was very different from when China last hosted the meetings in Shanghai in 2001.
"China has grown up rapidly, so this time around, the costumes are more grand," Wu said.
Presidents Xi, Obama, and Russia's Vladimir Putin all chose burgundy coloured suits customised for the event by a team of mainland designers a year ahead of Apec.
A video of Obama's entrance, in which he appeared to be chewing gum, quickly went viral on Chinese media.
As leaders were met inside the building, Xi and first lady Peng Liyuan exchanged a few words with Obama. As a friendly gesture, they shook hands with both hands. They also walked together to the family photo-taking area next to the Olympic pool.
But Xi offered a warmer welcome to Putin. Before taking the group photo, Xi gestured to the Russian leader's suit and laughed over the fact that they had both chosen the same colour. They also stood next to each other for the family photo.
After his ice-breaking meeting with Xi earlier in the day, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, dressed in a sapphire suit, tagged along as Xi and Putin led the group to the dinner hall. Xi and Abe's exchange of greetings appeared to be more stern.
"Chinese people believe in destiny. We are destined to meet here tonight," Xi spoke of the gathering last night.
He added that the first thing he did in the morning was to check the air quality in Beijing "hoping that the smog won't be too bad".
With the "efforts of our people and the cooperation of the weather", leaders arriving in the past couple of days had seen clear skies. "I hope and pray the weather tomorrow will turn out just fine," Xi said.
