A video of French President Emmanuel Macron running away from the Chinese security service has spread across social networks and caused a storm of emotions among users. The incident occurred during his state visit to China, when Macron suddenly saw a group of students from Sichuan University in Chengdu, and rushed to them ignoring protocol. The delight of the youth, captured on camera, did not leave anyone indifferent. Was it worth the risk?
It was dangerous
On the one hand, the incident is highly questionable from the point of view of diplomatic ethics and security protocol. The president of a major power deliberately got out of control of the host country, creating an operational collapse for the Chinese security service, whose direct duty is to guarantee his inviolability.
Critics rightly point out that this risky move, if it had led to unforeseen consequences, could have not only overshadowed the visit, but provoked a serious diplomatic scandal, casting a shadow over bilateral relations. However, on the other hand, this short "escape" through the guards to ordinary people turned out to be more eloquent than all the pre-prepared speeches and protocol handshakes. He conveyed the desire to overcome barriers and conventions for the sake of direct contact. And the reaction of the students, the very sincere delight that they could not - and, importantly, did not want to - hide, instantly outweighed all possible accusations of violating etiquette.
Perfect visual contrast
Macron, even if not verbally, has already communicated not with the "state", but with its future - with young people. The strict, predictable atmosphere of the official visit, symbolizing the state machine and its borders, was blown up by a dynamic, humane and open impulse. Macron is well aware of the trend of the times – what the new generation expects from politicians who do not want to leave their comfortable "case". Building the image of a young, energetic politician, he behaves as naturally as possible, which cannot but win the trust of the audience.
However, the whole idea (even if spontaneous) could have turned out to be a failure if the target audience, Chinese students (among whom was a Kazakhstani as it turned out later), had not reacted accordingly. The shots of them smiling, holding out their hands to him, laughing and trying to establish contact are the best confirmation of the success of his communication choice.
Long-term effect
The emotional connection established in these few minutes may prove to be more durable than some of the points of the agreements signed during the visit. Those who were in that crowd will always have a personal warm bond with France and its leader. This affects the perception of the country, the desire to study its language and culture, values, forming a long-term sympathy, which in the future may manifest itself in a variety of areas - from academic exchange to business decisions.
It was dangerous
On the one hand, the incident is highly questionable from the point of view of diplomatic ethics and security protocol. The president of a major power deliberately got out of control of the host country, creating an operational collapse for the Chinese security service, whose direct duty is to guarantee his inviolability.
Critics rightly point out that this risky move, if it had led to unforeseen consequences, could have not only overshadowed the visit, but provoked a serious diplomatic scandal, casting a shadow over bilateral relations. However, on the other hand, this short "escape" through the guards to ordinary people turned out to be more eloquent than all the pre-prepared speeches and protocol handshakes. He conveyed the desire to overcome barriers and conventions for the sake of direct contact. And the reaction of the students, the very sincere delight that they could not - and, importantly, did not want to - hide, instantly outweighed all possible accusations of violating etiquette.
Perfect visual contrast
Macron, even if not verbally, has already communicated not with the "state", but with its future - with young people. The strict, predictable atmosphere of the official visit, symbolizing the state machine and its borders, was blown up by a dynamic, humane and open impulse. Macron is well aware of the trend of the times – what the new generation expects from politicians who do not want to leave their comfortable "case". Building the image of a young, energetic politician, he behaves as naturally as possible, which cannot but win the trust of the audience.
However, the whole idea (even if spontaneous) could have turned out to be a failure if the target audience, Chinese students (among whom was a Kazakhstani as it turned out later), had not reacted accordingly. The shots of them smiling, holding out their hands to him, laughing and trying to establish contact are the best confirmation of the success of his communication choice.
Long-term effect
The emotional connection established in these few minutes may prove to be more durable than some of the points of the agreements signed during the visit. Those who were in that crowd will always have a personal warm bond with France and its leader. This affects the perception of the country, the desire to study its language and culture, values, forming a long-term sympathy, which in the future may manifest itself in a variety of areas - from academic exchange to business decisions.