Embracing exchanges and sharing experiences, we will continue writing a new chapter of Asian civilization
The recent speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou has generated significant interest on Weibo, China's leading social media platform. In his speech, Xi Jinping advocated for inclusiveness through sports, enhanced civilizational self-confidence, and adherence to exchanges and mutual reference among countries in the Asian region, expressing the hope of continuing to write a new chapter of Asian civilization.

4 October 2023
Netizens' reactions ranged from praise for President Xi Jinping's vision to criticism over certain aspects of his speech and its implications. Many users expressed their support for the ideals he has laid out, viewing sports as an effective tool for promoting inclusiveness and understanding among different Asian countries. They believe that such efforts will contribute to a more unified and prosperous Asian community.
However, some netizens have criticized the use of inclusiveness through sports as a means of exerting influence over other countries. Some view this approach as an attempt at cultural domination, fearing that it may lead to a loss of unique cultural identities among smaller nations in Asia. They argue that it's crucial for smaller countries to maintain their own distinctive cultures and avoid being swallowed up by larger nations like China.
There have also been concerns over the meaning and implications of "civilizational self-confidence." Some netizens worry that this term may be used as a pretext for aggressive nationalism, potentially leading to conflicts in the region. They express concern about how such a strategy might play out, particularly considering China's increasingly assertive foreign policy stance.
Moreover, some netizens have criticized the phrase "adhere to exchanges and mutual reference." While this seems like an innocuous suggestion, some see it as an attempt at propaganda, implying that other countries should adhere to China's narrative and ideology. They fear that such a one-sided approach could harm Sino-foreign relations and create conflicts.
Despite these concerns, the majority of netizens have welcomed the idea of promoting inclusiveness through sports as well as enhancing civilization self-confidence. Many believe that these are essential for fostering a better understanding among different Asian countries and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous region. They see Xi Jinping's vision as a positive step towards a more harmonious future in Asia.
The speech has also sparked interest in the historical significance of Hangzhou, which hosted the 19th Asian Games. China's number of World Heritage Sites reaches 57, including cultural and natural sites such as the Forbidden City, Taishan, Longmen Grottoes, and others. This recognition has led many netizens to express pride in their rich cultural heritage.
In conclusion, President Xi Jinping's speech at the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou has initiated a robust discussion among Chinese netizens on Weibo. While some have expressed concerns over certain phrases and implications of his vision, others have embraced it as a positive step towards a more unified and prosperous Asian community. The speech has brought attention to the importance of inclusiveness through sports and enhanced civilization self-confidence, sparking debates among netizens about their potential consequences in the region.
