Premier Wen shows China's best face to the world
The image projected by Premier Wen Jiabao on his many travels abroad, analysts say, fits in with China's attempts to project its soft power
When Premier Wen Jiabao went overseas he would often seize the chance to show the personable side of the Chinese leadership to overseas audiences, who sometimes perceive it as stern and rigid.
In addition to serious business talks and deals, Wen would chat with ordinary citizens and on some occasions delivered remarks considered sensitive that were downplayed by the state media at home.
In contrast to the serious, stiff look of most Chinese leaders, who appear reluctant to express their personal feelings, Wen, who will step down in March, commonly referred to Chinese idioms and poems, allowing others to get a glimpse of what he thinks.
In a meeting with the Chinese community in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday - on what was probably his last overseas trip, Wen recited parts of Li Sao ("Words of Departure"), a poem by Qu Yuan , to say that he is a clean leader - an indirect response to allegations that his family had accumulated huge wealth during his time as premier.
The poem reads" "My heart will always belong to my noble hopes, and for this I would have no regrets even if I died nine times over. For righteousness without guilt I would die, Thus with what ancient sages taught I would comply."
Observers say Wen's style is based on his humble upbringing but is also meticulously planned to reinforce his down-to-earth "grandpa" image at home and help China promote its soft power abroad. But the reactions to the approach have been mixed. Some have ridiculed Wen as "China's best actor" while others have said he shows that not all Chinese officials are hardliners.