Several media reports have shared a photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping with his eyes closed and looking displeased, leading to doubts among Chinese-speaking social media users about its authenticity. Some suggest that the photo may have been altered digitally.
However, AFCL has confirmed the photo’s authenticity, as it was captured by the Associated Press during the “two sessions” event in Beijing in early March.
The claim was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, on March 13, 2024.
“This should be a fake picture made by foreign forces using AI,” the claim reads.
The claim was accompanied by the photo in question showing Chinese President Xi Jinping with his eyes closed and frowning.
The photo was originally featured in a report published by the British tabloid Daily Mail Online on March 11.
“He [Xi] was spotted seemingly wincing after taking a sip of his brew while attending the closing session of the annual parliamentary meeting,” the caption of the photo describes.
This photo has raised skepticism among Chinese-speaking social media users regarding its authenticity.
“Can anyone tell me if this photo is real and not?” one user questioned in the Reddit comment section.
AFCL verified the authenticity of the photo.
Photo by AP
The Daily Mail attributed the photo to the Associated Press (AP).
Searches on AP’s archives confirmed the photo’s publication on March 11.
“Chinese President Xi Jinping, rear, reacts after drinking from a cup at the closing session of the National People’s Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, March 11, 2024. (AP Photo),” the caption of the photo states.
The photo was also included in AP’s “Pictures of the Week Asia Photo Gallery” on March 15.
‘Rules’ in China
In 2011, Radio Free Asia reported that journalists in China must adhere to certain “rules” when reporting on the country’s leaders.
These rules dictate that images of the leaders must be “clean,” and certain actions like sitting indecently, smoking, or eating are not allowed to be captured. Violating these rules can lead to consequences from the authorities.
Former journalist Liu Yiming emphasized that these restrictions limit press freedom in China.
Edited by Taejun Kang and Malcolm Foster.