These two paintings are full of profound meanings. Antony Blinken travels around the world in China | article | profound meanings
On July 2nd, the website of the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong published an article titled "Landscape Painting and Leader Portraits: Differences in Diplomatic Strategies between China and the United States." The author is Wang Gerui, a visiting scholar at Stanford University in the United States. The full text is excerpted as follows:
Last month, Chinese leaders met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. This is an important effort by both sides to restart dialogue in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions in recent years.
▲ On June 19, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Beijing.
Just like how we express our attitude through T-shirts with photos or backpacks with slogans printed on them - countries can also convey diplomatic messages through the decoration of buildings or conference rooms.
The background of Antony Blinken's talks with Chinese leaders was the huge lacquer painting "Spring of Wuyi", which mainly depicts the green hills and clear streams of Mount Wuyi. Fujian Province is also famous for international trade and exchanges.
Corresponding to "Wuyi Spring" is the blooming lotus flower placed in the middle of the conference table, with the US and China delegations sitting on both sides. In Chinese culture, lotus represents peace.
The choice of meeting room also highlights the desire for a more friendly relationship between the two countries. Although there are still serious differences between the two sides, both sides expressed their willingness to cooperate during the talks.
The appearance of prosperous natural scenery at the meeting venue is also a reminder that only by letting go of differences and working together can the current climate crisis be resolved between the United States and China.
▲ On June 19, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the United States in Beijing.
Earlier, Antony Blinken also held a meeting with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office. The background of the handshake between the two sides is a landscape painting called "Spring Dawn in Taihang Mountains". This painting depicts the towering Taihang Mountains spanning over 400 kilometers across several provinces in northern China. This painting evokes memories of this country, its history, and the greatness of its people.
The scene of spring also fits the long-awaited atmosphere of the US China meeting. The entire mountain range is covered with trees blooming with spring buds, symbolizing the hopes of both countries for a productive future. Of course, such a future can only be achieved through more constructive diplomatic relations.
For a long time, landscape painting has been a part of the political activities of Chinese leaders welcoming foreign dignitaries. In the United States, portraits of former presidents seem to have a similar effect when leaders meet with foreign officials.
For example, when US President Biden held talks with British Prime Minister Sunak in the Oval Office last month, both sides were portraits of former US presidents. When Biden was holding a dinner for South Korean President Yoon Seok yeol, the background of the group photo was a contemplative portrait of Lincoln.
On June 8th, US President Biden and British Prime Minister Sunak held talks in the Oval Office of the White House.
Each leader has their own unique diplomatic style, but the decorative style of government buildings in the United States and China represents two completely different attitudes towards foreign relations. The United States focuses on showcasing the wisdom of its leaders and their political influence on future generations, while China values nature as the foundation of people's lives.
In China, landscape painting became popular around the 10th century and was used to decorate various public spaces and government buildings. Nature represents resources that are beneficial to the people. The Chinese government believes that it has a responsibility to maintain the ecosystem and fulfill its responsibilities for future generations to continue enjoying the blessings of nature.
Regardless of the motivation behind choosing these meetings, the key point is that both the United States and China, as well as other countries around the world, should focus their diplomatic efforts on coexistence and cooperation.
China plays a crucial role in countless global challenges, from peace and security, climate change, public health to economic equity, and even the development and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Through cooperation and coexistence, the world can access China's vast market, advanced technology, and rich culture, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
