Chinese leaders learn lines of HBO's ‘Game of Thrones’ by heart

Chinese President Xi Jinping is a big fan of American TV channel HBO’s hit fantasy drama “Game of Thrones,” Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post reported Sunday, quoting an unidentified Chinese official.

“We must all make sure the world we live in does not descend into the chaotic warring seven kingdoms of Westeros,” President Xi reportedly cited a line from “Game of Thrones” in a recent meeting with overseas leaders in Beijing. The Westeros is a fictitious continent in the fantasy drama. The Chinese president has been known to enjoy U.S. films such as “The Godfather” and “Saving Private Ryan.”

It has been also reported that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang mentioned “Game of Thrones” last month while talking about China’s relationship with Eastern Europe when he visited a Croatian port city Dubrovnik, the backdrop to the HBO hit drama.

“Game of Thrones” has just started its 8th season on April 15. An edited version has been aired across China with visually violent scenes removed while President Xi and Premier Li have access to a so-called diamond version, which is compressed and edited especially, according to the SCMP.


Taek Kyoon Sohn sohn@donga.com