Little said but Xi badges speak volumes on NPC’s first day
The thick smog blanketing Beijing went overnight but the sound of silence still hung over Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
As Premier Li Keqiang delivered the government’s annual work report on the first day of the National People’s Congress’ annual session, the six members of the Politburo’s Standing Committee exchanged few words. And President Xi Jinping had little to say to Li once the report was over.
Also largely silent were the generals from the powerful Central Military Commission, who in years past would often whisper in each others’ ears.
Delegates from Tibet also stood out – and not just for the traditional costumes that are routinely brought out for the annual event. Pinned over their hearts were two badges: one of Xi and the other of Xi and his four predecessors.
A Tibetan delegate to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference said the badges were given to him last year on the 50th anniversary of Tibetan government.
When asked why he was wearing them, he smiled, patted the badges and said: “Because we believe in it.”
