Beijing, Nov. 18, 2009: Obama built his political persona with soaring speeches on a grand stage and by reaching out to a vast grassroots network on the Internet. But in China, Obama’s hosts successfully stifled those prodigious public talents, keeping his message from the people with media censorship and smothering it in staid diplo-speak.

And Obama’s talks on Tuesday with President Hu Jintao were followed by a dull public appearance, with both leaders reading out statements to the media stuffed with diplomatic code words.

The US president shuffled his papers on the lectern, scratched an eyebrow and looked across at Hu, as his host read out a long speech. The arid diplomatic translations made the occasion seem even more sterile.

Chinese officials several times warned the hundreds of reporters present, whom they referred to as “dear friends,” that questions were banned. There was no chance for Obama to deploy his persuasive political personality.

Several Chinese bloggers praised Obama’s efforts, and said his call to pull down the “Great Firewall of China” would provide valuable ammunition for Chinese web users.

(Agencies)