His father was one of the what we call the red le ah, but he was also someone with a problem. Sjonon didn't really have a father around for his adolescence. He's been described as the, well, peasant emperor. Some have described him,. you know, as someone who came from a leap background, but ended up a eating bitterness in the countryside.
Writer and academic Kerry Brown's latest book is Xi: A Study in Power, which profiles the policies and personality behind China's leader for the last decade, Xi Jinping. He’s one of the most powerful people in global geopolitics yet in the West seemingly little is known about him. What are his ambitions for China and the rest of the world? Kerry Brown is Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lau China Institute at Kings College London. He is joined in conversation on the podcast by our host, the historian, author and broadcaster, Rana Mitter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices