Pekingology
Party of One
Sep 8, 2023
Chun Han Wong, China reporter for the Wall Street Journal, joins Jude Blanchette to discuss his book on Xi Jinping's rise and China's superpower future. They explore reporting challenges, China's decision-making hurdles, consequences of Xi's power centralization, and the implications of his incapacitation. The podcast highlights the significance of China's political system and succession procedures as a global power.
45:13
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Quick takeaways
- Xi Jinping changed the succession system in China to centralize power in his own hands, eliminating potential rivals and sidelining influential figures.
- Speculating on Xi Jinping's succession plan is challenging due to numerous factors and uncertainties at play such as his vision, potential successors, and internal dynamics within the top Chinese leadership.
Deep dives
Succession challenges in autocratic political systems
Succession in autocratic political systems is a complex and difficult process. Autocratic leaders prefer successors who can protect their legacy and personal safety, but the successor also needs to build their own power base. In China, the succession process seemed relatively stable during Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao's leadership, thanks to power sharing dynamics and decisions made by Deng Xiaoping. However, Xi Jinping changed the succession system to centralize power in his own hands, eliminating potential rivals and sidelining influential figures. As a result, the successor's dilemma resurfaced, with Xi Jinping having the final say in choosing his eventual successor.
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