Chinese leaders' passion for and participation in sports has made them more approachable, compared with their usual image of being serious or unsmiling politicians. Many are not just fans but are also actively involved.
President Xi Jinping
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Then Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping receives a Los Angeles Lakers jersey signed by Kobe Bryant and a jersey bearing David Beckham's signature. Beckham (left) and Lakers star Magic Johnson (right) presented the jerseys when Xi was watching a National Basketball Association game in Los Angeles during his visit to the United States on Feb 17, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]
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Related photos: President Xi on the ball when it comes to sport
