Why Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan can’t take praise – even from Michael Bloomberg
- ‘When I hear words of praise, I fear that it is peng sha,’ Wang tells audience at Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore
China’s Vice-President Wang Qishan delivered unusually personal, off-the-cuff remarks in Singapore before his keynote address at a new economic forum after US tycoon Michael Bloomberg introduced him as “the most influential political figure” in China and the world.
Wang, widely seen as Chinese President Xi Jinping’s right-hand man, seemed taken aback by the description at the inaugural Bloomberg New Economy Forum, and tried to “lighten the mood” by speaking about the pitfalls of flattery before going on to deliver his prepared speech.
He also compared the political histories of Bloomberg and himself, respectively the former mayors of New York City and Beijing, before saying that Beijing was ready to talk to Washington to resolve their trade war.
“In my lifetime, from growing up to maturing, I have tried to keep calm and have a clear mind,” Wang said from the ballroom at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. “When I hear words of praise, I fear that it is peng sha (an attempt to cause someone to fail by excessive praise). When I hear words of criticism, I don’t worry so much because these are bang sha.”
Bang sha refers to the intention to defeat through criticising others.