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HE came, he saw, he patted Tasmanian devils.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stayed just a few hours in Tasmania, but his visit will have rippling impacts for the state for years to come.
The signing of two deals to increase China’s use of Hobart as an Antarctic gateway was the most politically significant aspect of the visit, with the emerging superpower seeking to bolster its scientific capacity in the Southern Ocean.
Tasmania has agreed to provide services and logistical support to the Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition, as well as develop Antarctic aviation facilities at Hobart Airport.
The tourism industry will also surely benefit, with footage of the tour to be beamed to hundreds of millions of Chinese viewers.
As soon as they stepped off the plane, Mr Xi and wife Madame Peng Liyuan were presented with a stuffed Bobbie the Bear from Bridestowe Lavender Estate, a cuddly reminder of the potential of the Chinese market.
The small stuffed animals have been in incredibly high demand since a Chinese celebrity snapped a selfie with a Bobbie Bear, and it’s safe to predict their value will continue to soar now one has made its way into the hands of Mr Xi.
Mr Xi and Madame Peng were not shy about cuddling some Tasmanian devil joeys, which proved a delight for his huge travelling media.
The couple were warmly greeted by a group of 21 pupils from Scotch Oakburn College who had written to Mr Xi and invited him to visit.
Mr Xi and Madame Peng also feasted on a lunch of some of the state’s finest produce, including East Coast abalone and Woodbridge Applewood cold-smoked ocean trout.
The pupils recited a welcome in Mandarin, and helped Mr Xi plant a Yulan magnolia tree on the lawns at Government House.
Security surrounding the visit was unprecedented for Tasmania, with the Tasman Bridge closed twice, and roads to Mount Wellington sealed off as Mr Xi and Madame Peng made a brief sojourn to the summit.
Tasmania Police were full of praise for the patience of Tasmanian motorists, with the President’s departure worsening traffic woes during the afternoon peak.
A small pro-Tibet protest along the route of the motorcade remained peaceful.
