ChinaTalk

Red Roulette: It Sucks to be a Chinese Billionaire

Oct 26, 2021

Mike Forsythe, a New York Times reporter known for his expertise in investigating China's financial intricacies, joins Lizzi C Lee, a journalist at Wall St TV with a keen eye on Chinese affairs. They delve into the gripping narrative of Desmond Shum's memoir, highlighting Xi Jinping's drama-filled anti-corruption campaign and the hidden wealth of Politburo members. The guests also shed light on the challenges Western and Chinese journalists face, and even touch on the peculiar eating habits of Chinese officials while traveling.

45:31

Creator website

Episode guests

Lizzi Lee

Mike Forsythe

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Navigating Elite Dynamics in Beijing

20min

Challenges of Journalism in China

6min

Cultural Gaps in Professional Relationships

8min

Navigating China's Anti-Corruption Campaign and Political Strategy

6min

Parallels Between China's Gilded Age and American History

3min

Red Roulette, Desmond Shum’s memoir of a fast life, deep in the bowels of Chinese politics, is the bombshell China book of 2021. It tells the story of his rise from an impoverished childhood in cultural revolution-era Shanghai and Hong Kong to his marriage to his social climbing wife with ties to the premier of China, and ultimate downfall as Xi’s anti-corruption push caught up with him.

New York Times reporter Mike Forsythe (@PekingMike) and Lizzi C Lee (@wstv_lizzi), a journalist at the independent Chinese outlet Wall St TV, join me to discuss. We get into:

Corruption crackdowns under Xi Jinping
Western reporters reporting on China
The not-so-well-hidden fortunes of Politburo members
The dietary habits of traveling Chinese officials

For an ad-free feed, please consider supporting ChinaTalk on Patreon at https://patreon.com/chinatalk

Outtro music: The Reform Group is Two Years Old by CCTV feat. Xi Jinping https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhU8C5RCbBs&t=3s

Get bonus content on Patreon

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.