China goes on charm offensive at Asian Games, but doesn’t back down from regional confrontations

By DAVID RISING
Associated Press

HANGZHOU, China (AP) — Outward aggression has taken a backseat to unctuous charm at the Asian Games as China seeks to win the hearts of more than 40 participating Asian nations and regions. The government poured billions of dollars into the city of Hangzhou to host the two-week games. Athletes and foreign representatives have gotten dazzled with technology and slathered with praise. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed leaders and officials at an opening banquet on Saturday. No mention was made of the status of Taiwan, the tense standoffs in the South China Sea over competing claims or of a diplomatic spat over visas that resulted in three women wushu athletes from India being unable to compete.