(CNN) -- China's propaganda system appears to be working hard to belittle U.S. President Barack Obama before he heads to Asia for three key multilateral meetings. The open mockery of the Democratic Party's loss in the midterm elections is likely an attempt to put the President on the defensive before he lands in Beijing on Monday. But it's really little wonder that China is trying to change the subject from its own problems, both foreign and domestic. For a start, Chinese President Xi Jinping will want no trouble from a U.S. president as he executes his anti-corruption campaign, the primary purpose of which many believe is to consolidate and further centralize his power. Meanwhile, Xi is also dealing with a restive empire, including a democracy movement in Hong Kong and unrest in Xinjiang, which has seen terror attacks against Chinese civilians and paramilitary officers.Dan Blumenthal: Chinese media have openly mocked Democrats' midterm lossChinese leader likely wants to distract from domestic problems, he writesObama should reinvigorate ties with Japan, he says 
 Question:Add in the fact that China's long and successful run of rapid investment and export-led growth is coming to an end with slack global demand and growing _ debt, and it's clear that Obama is arriving at a politically tense time in Beijing.
China