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.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Bleak Billionaire Life
Desmond Shum's trips to Italy with Chinese officials were not enjoyable.
He had to forego croissants for congee and instant noodles due to their preferences.
insights INSIGHT
Failed Evangelists
Desmond Shum, like many wealthy Chinese with Western educations, saw themselves as reform evangelists.
They believed in market reform and democracy, hoping to influence the CCP.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Interactions with Elites
Desmond Shum interacted with prominent figures like Xi Jinping and Wang Qishan.
His characterizations of them offer insights into their personalities and power dynamics.
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An Insider's Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today's China
Desmond Shum
John Pomfret
Red Roulette is a memoir by Desmond Shum that offers a rare insider's perspective on China's elite, detailing his rise to wealth and power alongside his wife Whitney Duan. The book explores the corrupt relationships and guanxi that define China's business and political landscape, revealing the darker side of China's economic reforms. It also highlights the personal costs of navigating such a system, including the disappearance of his ex-wife Whitney Duan.
China's Gilded Age
Yuen Yuen Ang
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
ChinaTalk 
