Obama reacts hilariously after Xi Jinping ignores US journalist's question

By Rebecca Shapiro, November 13, 2014

0 0

Chinese president Xi Jinping refused to answer a question from a New York Times correspondent yesterday, making for an awkward moment at his and Obama's joint press conference in Beijing.

Reporter Mark Landler asked whether Beijing viewed the Obama administration's "pivot" to Asia as an effort to contain China, and questioned why foreign journalists had such a hard time getting visas for China.

Xi completely ignored the question, took his ear piece out, and turned to a Chinese reporter instead.

Obama reacted pricelessly by looking directly at the press, smirking and shrugging:

Now, in glorious motion:

The Chinese President did, however, return to the question, explaining that foreign journalists who did not obey the ruling party's laws were the problem, not China's media censorship. 

The US delegation had convinced Xi Jinping to take questions directly from the press, something he rarely does, but after this incident we're wondering if he'll ever be convinced again.

Watch how it all went down:

[Images via BuzzFeed]

more news

Xi Jinping and Barack Obama enjoy moonlit stroll

Xi and Obama take a walk around CCP leadership compound.

Checking out Xi Jinping's favorite baozi joint

Hands up if you’d ever heard of the Qingfeng Baozi chain before December of last year? Probably not many of you – but ever since Xi Jinping got peckish one December morning while in traffic on the Second Ring, the fortunes of this humble baozi franchise have changed dramatically.

Authorities ban Obama-Mao apparel during first lady's visit to the Great Wall

Michelle Obama and her daughters hiked along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for about an hour on Sunday.

Xi Jinping makes 'surprise' visit to popular Beijing tourist zone

Chinese President Xi Jinping took a stroll along Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing's most well known streets, on Tuesday.

This Day in History: The Marco Polo Bridge Incident

On July 7, 1937, the cataclysmic event that led to the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

PHOTOS: Take a Look at the Real Santa's Workshop

How your Christmas decorations are made.

Useful Mandarin Phrases: Thanksgiving

A list of essential Thanksgiving phrases to help you through the classic American holiday!

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at ThatsBeijing for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Beijing With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Beijing!

Visit the archives