Yu the Great became a legendary ruler in China for his introduction of flood control. Will President Xi Jinping be credited for harnessing the floods of 2020? (Nikkei Montage/Source photos by AP and Getty Images)

China portrays 'Xi the Great,' tamer of floods

President shows who's boss, while premier is sidelined in the mud

KATSUJI NAKAZAWA, Nikkei senior staff writer

August 27, 2020 06:10 JST

TOKYO -- Despite serious flood damage in various parts of China, President Xi Jinping had not visited any of the impacted areas.

But on Aug. 18, Xi suddenly appeared in flood-hit Anhui Province for an inspection, one that seems to have followed the conclusion of the annual summer gathering of Chinese Communist Party leaders and elders, the Beidaihe meeting.