Jackie Chan's China appointment draws Hong Kong ire
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Hong Kong actor and director Jackie Chan attends a press conference to promote his recent film CZ12 in Seoul on Feb 18, 2013. Chan this week joins China's top political advisory body in a move analysts say highlights Beijing's growing "soft power" efforts to project unity between itself and the former British colony. -- FILE PHOTO: AFP
HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan this week joins China's top political advisory body in a move analysts say highlights Beijing's growing "soft power" efforts to project unity between itself and the former British colony.
But the 58-year-old actor, famous in the West for "Rush Hour" and "Police Story", faces a backlash in his hometown where the mainland is viewed with increasing suspicion.
According to professor Sonny Ho, co-director at the Centre for Greater China Studies, Chan was selected to appear at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) because his stardom could help promote ties.
"Jackie Chan is acting under the soft power and united front of the PRC (mainland) government," he said.
