New information(?) on Bush grabbing Chinese President

[steve2470]

snip

The two leaders appeared stiff, even awkward, around each other, befitting their fierce economic rivalry. During the outdoor ceremony, Mr. Bush seemed to startle his guest when he grabbed at Mr. Hu's sleeve to pull him into a brief hug for the cameras.

snip


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060421.HU21/TPStory/TPInternational/

[ShortnFiery]

1. He was grabbed from behind and was *startled*

Hum, where have I heard that statement before?
<dodging rotten fruit and tomatoes being thrown at my person> :yoiks:

[Ezlivin]

2. Assume the position, Mr. Hu

Thank you, can I have another?

[Lerkfish]

3. If I were Hu, I don't think I'd want Bush touching me, either.

[leftyladyfrommo]

4. I don't think the Chinese are into "touchy, feely."

[TomInTib]

5. You are correct

That was a major cultural gaffe and the idiot should have been well-warned in advance.

Chinese nationals are not into all that Western affectation and Hu is especially aloof.

[rodeodance]

6. nah, the decider just decided where Hu should stand.

[Crankie Avalon]

7. Bush was just winning Hu over by putting aside the fancy-fangled airs...

...and turning on the downhome "charm..."



He's the president just-plain-folks want to have a beer with, you know.

[ginnyinWI]

8. Dana Milbank wrote about this in his article in WaPo.

But he wasn't okay, not really. The protocol-obsessed Chinese leader suffered a day full of indignities -- some intentional, others just careless. The visit began with a slight when the official announcer said the band would play the "national anthem of the Republic of China" -- the official name of Taiwan. It continued when Vice President Cheney donned sunglasses for the ceremony, and again when Hu, attempting to leave the stage via the wrong staircase, was yanked back by his jacket. Hu looked down at his sleeve to see the president of the United States tugging at it as if redirecting an errant child.

It looks like the story has been exaggerated. Read article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/20/AR2006042001946.html