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China Unscripted

#277 Xi Jinping Has No Solution to the Chinese Economy. And That Means Americas Could Die

Nov 12, 2024
Gordon Chang, a renowned journalist and author of 'Plan Red: China’s Project to Destroy America,' discusses Xi Jinping's faltering grip on China amid a crumbling economy. The conversation delves into alarming trends like hostage diplomacy and China's interference in U.S. elections. Chang warns of potential aggressive moves by Xi, particularly regarding Taiwan, as a desperate bid to consolidate power. He highlights how inflated growth statistics and soaring debt could lead to conflict with the U.S., making the stakes dramatically higher for both nations.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • China's economic collapse, indicated by a growth rate as low as 0.5% and a housing crisis, poses global risks.
  • Xi Jinping's potential military provocations, particularly towards Taiwan, may be aimed at distracting from domestic dissent and consolidating power.

Deep dives

Xi Jinping's Economic Struggles

The current state of the Chinese economy reflects significant struggles that could have global repercussions. Reports suggest that China's actual growth rate may be as low as 0.5%, with vast amounts of debt worsening the situation. The staggering number of vacant apartments indicates a major economic crisis, with estimates showing enough empty units to house the entire population of China. As economic pressure mounts, Xi Jinping's potential response could involve more aggressive foreign policies, which may heighten tensions with the U.S. and other nations.

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