China's Jiang Turns To Western Song And Dance

MANILA, Philippines (Reuter) - Forget political correctness in the People's Republic. Chinese President Jiang Zemin danced the cha-cha and sang Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" Wednesday.

Despite Beijing's denunciations of Western cultural imperialism and decadence, the 70-year-old Chinese leader broke into Western song and dance during a pleasure cruise on Manila Bay with Philippine President Fidel Ramos.

Jiang's rendition of "Love Me Tender" prompted Ramos to remark: "That's the favorite song of Bill Clinton, so you have to prepare. When he visits you, you will surprise him."

The two-hour cruise on Ramos's presidential yacht escorted by navy gunboats was the highlight of the second day of Jiang's three-day state visit to the Philippines.

He had attended Monday's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in nearby Subic Bay freeport.

Apparently aware of Jiang's penchant for song, Ramos brought with him a string quartet, a Philippine Navy band and a song book titled "Sailing Together to the 21st Century."

After a breakfast of porridge and fruit, the 68-year-old Ramos goaded Jiang into singing a song called "Only When We Were Young," bringing applause from the 60-odd guests.

The two leaders then performed a duet of the late Presley's hit "Love Me Tender," as well as another song, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."

Jiang later tried a Chinese love song but his partner, Trade Minister Wu Yi, complained his pitch was too high for her.

As the strings struck up a waltz, Jiang partnered a Chinese aide, then Philippine first lady Amelita Ramos on the dance floor.

After pausing for breath, the two leaders stood up and Ramos showed Jiang some cha-cha turns.

The cruise ended with guests gathering in a semi-circle and, at Ramos's urgings, holding hands while singing "Auld Lang Syne."

In a more somber meeting on Tuesday, Jiang and Ramos discussed their competing claims over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Reuters/Variety