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Global News Podcast

What keeps China’s president up at night?

Mar 17, 2024
Celia Hatton, BBC's East Asia editor with 15 years in Beijing, and Rana Mitter, a Harvard professor of US-Asia relations, discuss the pressing concerns of China's president, Xi Jinping. They delve into the increasing opacity of his leadership, the absence of traditional press interactions, and unexpected political dismissals highlighting internal rivalries. The conversation touches on Xi's economic ambitions amidst rising youth unemployment and how memes like Winnie the Pooh reflect the complicated relationship between humor and censorship in China.
27:37

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Internal concerns plague Xi Jinping despite power
  • Economic challenges impact China's growth and citizen livelihoods

Deep dives

Concerns and Troubles of Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping, China's president, faces internal concerns despite his unchallenged power. Recent public demotions and tightened security laws indicate underlying issues troubling him. With limited transparency in Chinese politics, understanding his worries remains challenging. The mystery surrounding Xi's sleep patterns and personal life highlights the secrecy shrouding his leadership.

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