Dmitry Medvedev has a reputation for being a man-of-the-people in Russia. And he proved to have the common touch again in his trip to China, as he took half an hour from his packed schedule to chat with Chinese web users. It was the first talk between a Russian Prime Minister and Chinese netizens. Most of the online questions focused on the Prime Minister himself.
"I love taking photos. But now I have few chances, so I do it a lot in cars or trains. I’ll give one user a photo album full of pictures I took. I also love sports. I used to do weight lifting and boating, but I stopped. Now I often swim and cycle. They are good for health," Dmitry Medvedev said.
The Prime Minister also showed off his knowledge of ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi.
“If you don’t know its history, it’s very difficult to know a country. I think Laozi very much represents China. Laozi says people should be very cautious about their behavior. Speak less, but better. Laozi also said those who beat others are strong, but those who beat themselves are stronger. I agree very much. It is very hard to conquer oneself," Dmitry Medvedev said.
Officials from Xinhua news agency said it was the Russian leader who proposed the online talk.
"Prime Minister Medvedev is familiar with Internet and was willing to talk to Chinese web users. And the public paid great attention to the event. Questions touched on many issues including trade and culture exchange," vice president of Xinhuanet Bai Lin said.
Medvedev also answered questions regarding education and travel policies in Russia.
在俄罗斯一直走“亲民路线”的梅德韦杰夫此次到访中国，也不忘与中国网民互动。22日下午2时30分，梅德韦杰夫将在新华网与中国网民进行在线交流互动，回答中国网民的问题。访谈过程中，梅德韦杰夫将在现场挑选他最喜欢的问题，向提问网民送出签名礼物。
有观察指出，俄罗斯总统普京经常以“硬汉”形象示人，而梅德韦杰夫走的则是“亲民路线”。
早在出任俄罗斯第一副总理后，梅德韦杰夫就表现出“亲民”的一面。梅德韦杰夫不仅仅坐在办公室里开会、传达文件，还多次到农村视察，比如到刚刚接通煤气的农妇家中做客并亲自上灶煎鸡蛋等。
在担任俄罗斯总统期间，梅德韦杰夫也继续走“亲民路线”，还在俄罗斯广受欢迎的Livejournal.com网站开通个人博客，了解民生。
