As we can see by the numerous security procedures and temporary measures that have closed down parts of Beijing and the surrounding area, the parade on September 3 is going to be a big deal, something that is obvious by the 49 international dignitaries that will be on hand.
But for what must be a complex arrangement of protocols and diplomacy, the People’s Daily Online has simplified the invitation process by re-imagining it as a WeChat conversation. In the following mock-up, Chinese President Xi Jinping announces his event online and invites all the people in his WeChat circle of friends to take part. And as the People’s Daily Online puts it, many of them respond enthusiastically:
Here’s the above online conversation translated into English:
Xi Jinping:
On the morning of September 3rd, my country will be hosting a commemoration of the War of Resistence Against Japan and the 70th anniversary of the victory over fascism at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing (which will include inspecting the troops). I welcome everyone to come witness the parade of troops.
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations:
I can come.
Director General of the World Health Organization Dr Margaret Chan:
I can come too!
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair:
Not a problem, will definitely be there.
Former German President Gerhard Fritz Kurt Schroder:
Fine then, will definitely be there!
Former Japan Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama:
Sure, will be there on time!
And here’s another passage from the same People’s Daily Online mock-up:
Russian President Vladimir Putin: I will definitely be there.
Xi Jinping replies to Russian President Vladimir Putin: Welcome.
South Korean President Park Geun-hye: I will definitely take part.
Xi Jinping replies to South Korean President Park Geun-hye: Welcome.
Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain: I will definitely be there.
Xi Jinping replies to Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain: Welcome.
Vietnam President Trương Tấn Sang: I will promptly be there on time.
Xi Jinping replies to Socialist Republic of Vietnam Trương Tấn Sang: Welcome.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko: I’m coming.
Xi Jinping replies to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko: Welcome.
Mongolia President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj: When a neighbor is having a celebration, how can I miss it?
Xi Jinping replies to Mongolia Presidenty Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj: Welcome.
King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni: I will definitely take part.
Xi Jinping replies to King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni: Welcome.
South African President Jacob Zuma: Definitely be there.
Xi Jinping replies to South African President Jacob Zuma: Welcome.
Call us suspicious, but we’re doubtful this is how the complex matters of international diplomacy are currently handled. But in a world where all global leaders are in one big chat group and speak Chinese, we’d have to say that Xi Jinping is among the least lively in the group. At least Angela Merkel, the German president, uses smiley emoticons.
But whether true or not, the strangest thing of all about this particular version of “the world’s most powerful WeChat circle” is that unlike everybody else, Xi Jinping doesn’t get a title. Although he is the President of China, on other people’s WeChat accounts he is simply known as “Xi Jinping”.
