Gerui Wang

Opinion | Landscape art vs leader portraits: how the US and Chinese diplomatic approaches differ

When China hosts foreign dignitaries, massive landscape paintings feature in the background; for the US, it’s portraits of former presidents

This suggests different foreign relations approaches. The US highlights the wisdom of its leaders while China prioritises harmony and the environment

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The mural behind Chinese President Xi Jinping, during hs meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 19, portrays emerald hills and clear waters in Fujian, a province famous as a hub for international trade and exchange. Photo: TNS

Gerui Wang

Published: 8:30am, 2 Jul 2023Updated: 11:56am, 2 Jul 2023

Last month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting was an important effort to revive dialogue between the two nations after the rise in geopolitical tensions in recent years, especially since the incident involving a Chinese balloon over US territory.

Just as we might wear a T-shirt with a picture or carry a backpack with a graphic to convey a message – whether it is support for the local football team or Black Lives Matter – nations may also convey diplomatic messages through the architecture of state buildings or the decor of staterooms.

Xi held his meeting with Blinken in the Great Hall of the People, against the backdrop of The Spring of Wuyi, a colossal lacquer mural featuring the emerald hills and clear waters of Fujian, a province famous as a hub for international trade and exchange.

The flourishing landscape is echoed in the pots of lotus blossoms placed in the middle of the U-shaped conference table. The US delegation and their Chinese counterparts each sat on either side. In Chinese culture, lotus blossoms signify peace.

The choice of the meeting room highlighted the hope for more cordial relations between the two nations. Although serious differences remain, at the meeting both sides expressed mutual respect and a willingness to cooperate.

The venue’s references to flourishing nature are also a reminder that the climate crisis can be overcome only if the United States and China can overlook their disagreements and work together.

Opinion | Landscape art vs leader portraits: how the US and Chinese diplomatic approaches differ

When China hosts foreign dignitaries, massive landscape paintings feature in the background; for the US, it’s portraits of former presidents This suggests different foreign relations approaches. The US highlights the wisdom of its leaders while China prioritises harmony and the environment

When China hosts foreign dignitaries, massive landscape paintings feature in the background; for the US, it’s portraits of former presidents

This suggests different foreign relations approaches. The US highlights the wisdom of its leaders while China prioritises harmony and the environment