Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl #96 Chun Han Wong: China Is Entering a New Phase - And Nobody Knows Where It Leads
Dec 6, 2025
Chun Han Wong, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of *Party of One*, shares his insights on China's evolving political landscape. He discusses how Xi Jinping's centralization of power has transformed governance and decision-making within the CCP. Wong explains the consequences of this shift, including the risks of policy paralysis and increasing bureaucracy. He also dives into Xi's motivations, his approach to foreign engagement, and the uncertainties surrounding succession within the party. This in-depth analysis reveals the complexities of China's political future.
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China's Opening Reversed Under Xi
- Xi reversed China's prior opening and centralized media, travel, and scholarly access under his rule.
- This shift signaled a broader move from engagement to control in China's external interactions.
The Party Leads Everything
- Xi centralized decision-making and declared that 'the party leads everything', pulling many institutions under party control.
- This change folded the economy, law, military, and culture more directly into political oversight.
Centralization Slows Governance
- Centralization made officials overly focused on pleasing Xi and increased formalism and bureaucratism.
- That dynamic slows governance, punishes deviation, and creates risk-averse implementation.
