China: after two years of isolation, Xi Jinping organizes a banquet with the guests of the Olympics

Chinese President Xi Jinping surrounded by his hosts during a lunch at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, February 5, 2022, the day after the opening of the Winter Olympics in China.

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Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

After two years of isolation due to a pandemic, Xi Jinping is multiple meetings during the Winter Olympics which have just opened in Beijing.

This Saturday, February 5, the president organized a banquet for foreign leaders visiting China on the occasion of these Olympics.

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With our correspondent in Beijing, 

No more videoconferences, it's time for a meal with the "

".

This is how Xi Jinping described his guests received this Saturday under the gold of the Grand Palace of the People.

We are still very far from the hugs and handshakes of pre-Covid.

In

by state media, the banquet tables form a large rectangle that looks like it could hold water from a swimming pool.

The president, his wife and other Chinese leaders are seated to one side, the guests in front.

This image is intended to show that China is not isolated despite the

of the Olympics by Westerners.

The Chinese number one takes advantage of the event to meet face to face with some of the 21 heads of state and government who made the trip to the opening ceremony of the Winter Games - Vladimir Putin, Friday, the Kazakhstani Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Saturday.

Xi Jinping quotes an ancient poem

"

", declared the head of state,

.

" 

", the animal symbolizes "

 ", Xi Jinping recalled in front of the Egyptian, Russian and Polish presidents and the Saudi crown prince.

An animal also ready to show its fangs.

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• China

• Xi Jinping

• Olympic Games 2022