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Animated images hint of improved confidence
Last Updated: 2014-02-20 23:43 | Xinhua
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Gone are the days when Chinese leaders were invariably seen in stiff photo-ops, as images of President Xi Jinping have again gone viral in China's mediasphere and cyberspace, proof that the leadership are comfortable with light-touch appearances in public.

A cartoon of Xi in a simple, gray jacket and blue trousers, was reminiscent of his man-of-the-people image that queued in an ordinary Beijing restaurant and paid his own bill two months ago.

Two months before that, Xi was featured in a five-minute animation, together with other heads of state, that showed how they made it to the top. Drawing widespread attention and applause, it was the first time a Chinese leader appeared in domestic cartoon images.

Once is chance, twice is coincidence, the third time is a pattern. But what has emerged as a pattern was more than just a tactical change of publicity, as the increased flexibility to portray its leaders spoke of the improved confidence of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Various kinds of online depictions of top leaders were not unexpected, as Chinese people are increasingly web-savvy and the politics of the CPC has always been connecting with them.

But animated pictures of the president unveiled a new angle of connection, testifying unprecedented openness and frankness within Chinese society.

The friendly cartoon, which displayed Xi in casual wear - instead of a business suit that are standard in formal settings - with his feet pointing to different sides, apparently accomplished in appealing to younger generations who poured networking sites with comments like "he's so cute".

However, the popularity Xi has won from an ever more sophisticated Chinese population originated from not least his common touch, but the hopes and dreams that a greater number of Chinese are now sharing after witnessing Xi and the CPC leadership's no-nonsense approach in putting words into action.

A prime example and in line with the CPC's "from the people, to the people" principle, is a frugality campaign targeting Party and government officials' extravagance that has been in full swing for well over a year, in the process sweeping out numerous corrupt offenders.

It is only with concrete progress like this that a well-beloved image of a top Chinese leader could be cultivated, and confidence strengthened.

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