

China’s Communist Party, Its Rise, and the Looming New Cold War
4 snips Jul 27, 2025
Joseph Torigian, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of a book on Xi Zhongxun, delves into the shifting U.S.-China dynamics. He discusses the rapid ascent of China as a global power and the risks of a new Cold War, especially over Taiwan. Highlighting the historical significance of Xi Jinping’s father, Torigian explains how Xi Zhongxun's legacy shapes contemporary Chinese politics. The conversation also touches on the complex interplay between the Communist Party and U.S. relations, framed by the looming Thucydides trap.
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Xi's Upbringing Mirrors CCP History
- Xi Jinping's upbringing and character shaped by his father's Communist Party experiences helps explain their shared political outlook.
- The Chinese Communist Party's evolution over the 20th century reveals continuities influencing Xi Jinping's leadership today.
Harsh Early Years Shape Loyalty
- Xi Zhongxun grew up witnessing China's civil war aftermath, marked by poverty, famine, and violence.
- His early suffering, including imprisonment and family losses, deeply influenced his loyalty and dedication to the CCP.
Military and Political Strategy Combined
- CCP moved from urban areas to countryside bases, using military pressure alongside political influence to win control.
- Xi Zhongxun exemplified combining battlefield efforts with united front strategies, foundational to CCP success.