Inside the Mind of Xi Jinping

What if peering into one leader's mind could shape the future of global defence? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps explores the psyche of Chinese President Xi Jinping with Michael Sheridan, a veteran foreign correspondent and author of The Red Emperor. Michael, who first reported for Reuters in 1980, shares insights from Xi's revolutionary roots to his iron grip on power, exploring his strategic thinking, Taiwan ambitions, and what might follow his rule.

What You’ll Learn

- Xi's Formative Influences: Grasp how his father's Red Army legacy and personal hardships forged a leader focused on discipline and national revival.

- Taiwan Risks: Assess the calculated path to potential conflict by 2027, balancing military readiness with political caution.

- Succession Scenarios: Prepare for a shift to collective leadership post-Xi, potentially easing tensions and opening reform paths.

We discuss Xi's purge of rivals, his emphasis on consensus in decision-making, and the evolution of China's governance from Mao's era to today. For defence professionals, it's a toolkit for understanding adversary mindsets and anticipating strategic moves.

Key Moments

2:10 - The Rise of Xi Jinping

4:35 - Impact of the Cultural Revolution

9:05 - The Complexities of Taiwan

14:03 - Taiwan's Independence and China's Stance

19:20 - Understanding Chinese Military Structure

25:04 - The Stakes of Potential Conflict

28:38 - The Role of the U.S. in Taiwan

32:21 - The China-Russia Relationship

35:25 - Historical Grievances and Alliances

40:06 - Benefits of the Ukraine War for China

43:27 - Xi Jinping's Approach to U.S. Relations

55:14 - Future Leadership in China

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.