The Sunday Mail
In China, he is affectionately known as Xi Dada, translated to mean Uncle Xi, or, alternatively, Big Daddy Xi.
Since assuming the Presidency in March 2013, President Xi Jinping has endeared himself to his countrymen who revere him as a true statesman.
On Tuesday, Uncle Xi comes to Zimbabwe on a historic visit, itself the climax of engagements between the two countries that included President Mugabe’s State visit to China last year.
He joins a growing list of highest-level dignitaries coming to Zimbabwe as the country scales up its economic transformation programme.
In September 2014, Russia’s Foreign Minister Mr Sergey Lavrov led a team to these parts to launch the US$3billion Darwendale Platinum Project.
In 2015, several Heads of State like Presidents Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (Mali), Faure Gnassingbe (Togo), Edgar Lungu (Zambia) and Joseph Kabila (the DRC) have made their way to Harare for an audience with African Union Chair President Mugabe.
The capital has also hosted delegations from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Belarus and other countries.
And Uncle Xi puts the icing on the cake when his “super plane” — the double-deck Boeing 747-400 — touches down at Harare International Airport.
Accompanying him will be his wife, First Lady Peng Liyuan.
She was one of China’s popular singers, even before marrying Xi Dada, and still captivates many with her powerful voice.
Yet, Uncle Xi remains a people’s man – modest and ready to mingle.
Zimbabwe’s Chief Diplomat in China, Ambassador Paul Chikawa, says, “He is a charismatic and easy going leader who mixes easily with the people.”
A Zimbabwe-based Chinese businessman, who prefers anonymity, adds: “The people love him because he appeals to them and is affable.
‘‘He is also a very tall man compared to the average person in China, so people see him as an extraordinary man.
“He is like your customary uncle — full of wisdom, decisiveness, tolerance and that reassuring laid back demeanour. That is why we call him Big Daddy Xi.”
During his recent visit to the United Kingdom, the Chinese leader visited downtown Manchester and mingled with characters from different backgrounds.
His “selfies”, including pictures with Manchester City striker Sergio “Kun” Aguero, have gone viral.
