Minxin Pei

Minxin Pei, a Claremont College professor and expert on US-China relations, joins Rana Mitter, Harvard Kennedy School's modern China specialist. They discuss Trump's complex relationship with Xi Jinping, touching on tariffs and military tensions over Taiwan. The conversation dives into the challenges of economic rivalry, AI dominance, and how Trump might strategize to counter China’s rise. They also explore Xi's leadership paradox amidst tightening global dynamics and the fate of U.S.-China ties in an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

Minxin Pei, a professor at Claremont McKenna College and editor of the China Leadership Monitor, dives into his book, 'The Sentinel State'. He discusses the resilience and fragility of China's political systems, emphasizing the paradox of authoritarian reforms. Pei reveals insights about the vast surveillance network that empowers the Communist Party, the complexities of public discontent under Xi Jinping, and predictions about China's future trajectory in economics and foreign policy. This enlightening conversation uncovers the intricate dance between repression and legitimacy in China.

Chinese born professor Minxin Pei discusses the evolving relationship between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden, highlighting misconceptions about Xi's leadership. They explore Xi's strategic vision, foreign relationships, and the dynamics between Xi and Biden. The podcast also touches on Biden's briefing before meeting Xi, CIA profiling on China, surveillance in China, and espionage rivalry between the US and China.

Minxin Pei, an expert on the surveillance state in China, discusses the history and development of China's surveillance apparatus. He explores the broad definition of political activities, the presence of informants, and the adaptability of Leninist states to implement surveillance systems. Pei highlights the challenges of obtaining information about the system and emphasizes the impact of surveillance on society and behaviors within China.

Minxin Pei, a prominent China scholar and professor at Claremont, dives into the complexities of China's broken dream in this engaging discussion. He critiques the reforms of Deng Xiaoping and Xi Jinping, highlighting how they have revived totalitarianism despite some economic achievements. Pei contrasts materialism with the lack of political freedoms, warns of growing inequality, and examines China's mobilization advantages as a one-party state. He also explores the pitfalls of superpower ambition and forecasts the challenges Xi faces in 2026.