The presidential seal of approval
July 2011: Xi Jinping, China's vice-president at the time, stated his three sporting wishes: first, that China will be chosen to host the soccer World Cup; second, that the national team qualifies for the event again; and, third, that one day the China team will win the prestigious tournament. His comments came after he met with Sohn Hak-kyu, chairman of South Korea's Democratic Party, who gave him a gift of a soccer ball autographed by the Korean star Park Si-jung.
February 2012: Xi wrapped up a visit to the United States by watching a live NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He watched part of the fourth quarter of a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns before being presented with a jersey bearing his name.
Sept 2013:
