Anecdotes reveal why Premier Li's quick wit is famous

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (3rd L front) attends a welcoming ceremony held by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet in Santiago, capital of Chile, May 25, 2015. The two leaders also watched a parade of honor guards.[Photo/english.gov.cn]

When Premier Li Keqiang was welcomed by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet at the presidential palace during his latest visit to the Latin American country in May, the sound system that was supposed to play the national anthems broke down.

Amid the awkward silence Premier Li proposed that the guests should sing the national anthems together and even led the Chinese delegation sing the Chinese national anthem.

"Music is unrestrained by national borders and we all understand each other's songs," said Premier Li in response to Chilean President Bachelet's gratitude for his quick thinking and wit.

This was not the first time that Premier Li had used his humor to lighten up supposedly serious diplomatic exchanges.

During Premier Li's visit to India in May 2013, an Indian journalist asked for a another photo right after he had shaken then Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh's hand and was walking away after saying goodbye.