The French president arrived in Xian today to have a third look at the army of emperor Qin Shihuang’s terracotta warriors,… in his third capacity!
He first saluted the army as mayor of Paris in 1978, even before the site was opened to mere mortals. He became the first foreigner to view the excavation and promptly declared the terracotta army the 8th wonder of the world.
In 1991 he visited as France’s prime minister. Today he returned for a third time as president. It may not be his last visit, but the next time it will be as an ordinary pensioner, although in the eyes of the Chinese government he will always be a VIP.
Some commentators argue that Chirac is friendly to China in order to try to sell French products. That is only half the truth. He also loves Chinese culture and civilization, its porcelains and bronze wares. He has also visited the Shanghai Museum three times.
The Chinese like Chirac because he is a cultured man. Some other so-called statesman’s knowledge is limited to a cowboy hat.
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