Intelligence Squared Understanding Xi: Is China’s President a Threat to the World? (Part Two)
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Jun 1, 2025 
Rana Mitter, a distinguished historian from Harvard Kennedy School and former director of Oxford's China Centre, delves into the complexities of Xi Jinping's regime. He discusses Xi's militaristic posturing and geopolitical maneuvers, particularly regarding Taiwan and China's relationship with Russia. Mitter examines the purges within the Communist Party and Xi's consolidation of power, as well as the potential future landscape of China after Xi. The conversation also touches on the global implications of Xi's ideology and the West's diplomatic approach.
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China's Power Through Technology
- Xi Jinping views the global order shifting significantly through technology dominance rather than war.
- Key areas for China's influence include green energy, AI, and 5G infrastructure globally.
Taiwan and Ukraine Are Not Analogous
- Taiwan is not viewed by China as analogous to Russia's Ukraine conflict.
- China is cautious about aggressive military moves on Taiwan despite capacity building.
Purges Reflect Control Challenges
- Xi Jinping's repeated purges show effort to centralize control and enforce discipline.
- Military remains somewhat autonomous, complicating Xi's anti-corruption efforts within armed forces.
