I mean the overall global influence in terms of economy, geopolitics and military. Chinese table tennis has been dominating for the last 30 years, yet, you can see different attitude between recent generations of Chinese players and their old ones. The new generation players are more relaxed, personable and charming. The change is not just limited to table tennis.
As the second superpower, sports are not needed as much as before as a way of raising the confidence of its people a well as the patriotism.
Hm... I'm not sure if you are reading (and replying to) Tubrozed correctly (because there is a history to it)
he is saying, he likes the fans behavior in China Smash, that are neutral and will actually "cheer" for non Chinese players.
Chinese fans (especially in the recent Paris olympic games), has been an embarrassment in the news for the wrong reasons. They would only cheer for they hero and disrespect the opponent - even if that opponent/player is a Chinese player, including that of gold medal winning Chinese player.
This is already beyond that of country versus country, but of its hero vs the rest of the bunch.
I'm not sure if CTTA is trying to change this behavior, or have provided messages to guide the fans to be more civil.
I remember a while back there was a big WTT where LGL was given the mic to talk, but the fans in the background don't care and continue to make noises. LGL looked very pissed. Before he was given the mic, some other (non Chinese) delegate was speaking and there was even more noise. I saw him in the background trying to quieten down the crowd - and putting his finger to the mouth and telling them to shoosh.
Fan behavior does seem better in China Smash, which is good.
This is a fan cultural problem for a while and it has been getting worse over the decades.
I guess maybe you get TT fans, and then you get these fan boys club, that possibly aren't even TT people, and are only there for they hero.
End of the day, respect to the sport is required. This shows cultural maturity.
PS. to me it is some minority fandom club members that are leading the trouble. They are quite abusive if you turn against them. ie the Anti WCQ for the Pro WCQ crowds. It is crazy if you get in there way.
