Chinese President Xi Jinping fulfils promise to late Tasmanian premier Jim Bacon

YEARS after President Xi Jinping made a commitment to visit Tasmania to the late former premier Jim Bacon, it came to fruition yesterday.

The President and Madame Peng meet with members of the Bacon family at Government House, Hobart. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

YEARS after President Xi Jinping made the commitment to the late former premier Jim Bacon to visit Tasmania, it came to fruition yesterday.

Scott Bacon’s daughter Ruby, 7 months, pictured with her mother Chantel Crossman, was a hit with President Xi and his wife Madame Peng.

Members of the Bacon family met Mr Xi yesterday and he spoke fondly of Mr Bacon and acknowledged his pivotal role in the visit and strengthening ties between China and Tasmania.

Mr Bacon first visited China while at university and developed an affinity with the country. As premier he built on the sister region relationship with Fujian Province, which culminated in the then governor (now President Xi) awarding him an honorary citizenship in 2001.

He passed away aged 54 in June 2004.

His son, shadow tourism minister Scott Bacon, with his partner Chantel and daughter Ruby (7 months) yesterday delighted Mr Xi with old photographs of Jim Bacon’s China visits.

Madame Peng was very taken with baby Ruby.

“It was a tremendous privilege to be part of the visit,” Scott Bacon said.

“He [President Xi] mentioned it would of been good if he could have come when Jim was premier but said that the visit was building on the relations with our family and with Tasmania going forward.”

The Chinese media attending yesterday were particularly taken with the story.

Scott Bacon said there was a genuine connection between the two families.

Jim Bacon’s widow Honey Bacon engaged with the couple before exchanging gifts.

She presented them with a painting of Cape Barren Island and received a lacquered plate made from egg shells.

Older sibling Mark Bacon, who is Australia China Business Council Tasmania chief executive, also meet the President and Madame Peng.

SEE THE GALLERY: CHINESE PRESIDENT VISITS GOVERNMENT HOUSE