Steve Tsang

Dr. Steve Tsang discusses Xi Jinping thought and its goals for China's national rejuvenation. He explains Xi's desire for a prominent global role, centralizing power, and reshaping international order. Tsang shares insights on deterring Xi Jinping and contrasts his ideology with past CCP leaders.

China's President Xi Jinping recently concluded a tour of Europe, visiting France, Serbia, and Hungary. The podcast delves into Xi Jinping's strategic engagements with European countries, focusing on enhancing economic ties, countering US influence, and navigating complex relationships. Discussions also touch on China's role in the Ukraine conflict, potential for mediation, and the implications of Xi Jinping's successful trip for both China and Europe.

This month China’s President Xi Jinping is expected to secure a further five years as the country’s leader after the Communist Party abolished two-term limits. It opens the door to Xi continuing to rule for the rest of his life. His time in power has seen the country take a more confrontational approach to many of its neighbours as well as to the West. China’s GDP continues to grow and living standards for most citizens have risen, but some fear the ‘economic miracle’ of recent decades may be coming to an end and that rising tensions over Taiwan and Hong Kong could lead to conflict. So, who is Xi Jinping? What makes him tick? And what are his plans for the future of China?Ritula Shah is joined by a panel of expert guests.Daniel R. Russel - Former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (2013 - 2017), currently Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), New YorkLucy Hornby - visiting scholar at the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University, formerly of Reuters and the FTSteve Tsang - Director of the China Institute at SOAS, The University of LondonAlso featuring:Victor Gao - Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, a think tank based in BeijingProducers: Paul Schuster and Ellen Otzen

Steve Tsang, Director of the China Institute, and Olivia Cheung, Research Fellow there, dive into the nuances of Xi Jinping's political thought. They discuss how 'Xi Jinping Thought' serves as a state ideology aiming to unite and rejuvenate China, all while consolidating power reminiscent of past leaderships. Insights on his coercive policies and the enforced ideology reveal a landscape rich in systemic propaganda. They also explore Xi's calls for ethnic unity and a shift in global leadership, paving the way for China's rise amid complex U.S.-China relations.

Discover the intricacies of Xi Jinping's political ideology and its impact on China and the world, from his blend of socialism and capitalism to his vision of a Sinocentric global order. Unpack Xi's approach to managing the economy, crackdown on tech firms, and emphasis on nationalism. Explore the challenges and vulnerabilities facing Xi, as well as the strategic importance of understanding his beliefs.

At the end of a friendly meeting in Moscow, President Xi of China told President Putin of Russia that they are driving changes in the world the likes of which have not been seen for a century. Meanwhile this week President Biden kicked off a Summit for Democracy with $690m funding pledge to democracies all over the world and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, called on Europe to reassess its diplomatic and economic relations with China before a visit to Beijing next week.So what changes are President Xi talking about? Who will be running the world in 20 years time? Is conflict between rival powers inevitable? And is the model of western liberal democracy in decline?Owen Bennett-Jones is joined by:Evelyn Farkas - an American national security advisor, author, and foreign policy analyst. She is the current Executive Director of the McCain Institute, a nonprofit organisation focused on democracy, human rights, and leadership. Evelyn served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia under President ObamaMartin Wolf - chief economics commentator at the Financial Times and author of The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism Professor Steve Tsang - political scientist and historian and Director of the China Institute at the SOAS University of LondonAlso featuring:Henry Wang - founder and director of the Centre for China and Globalisation, a think tank with links to the Chinese Communist PartyNathalie Tocci - director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali and an honorary professor at the University of TübingenPhoto: Russia's Putin holds talks with China's Xi in the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023 / Credit: ReutersProduced by Rumella Dasgupta and Pandita Lorenz

Burcu Ozcelik, a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, discusses King Abdullah II's White House visit against the backdrop of U.S.-Middle East tensions. Julia Lassica provides insight into rising geopolitical issues while Steve Tsang analyzes demographic shifts in China impacting society. They explore the implications of Donald Trump's Gaza proposals, evolving U.S. foreign policy towards Europe, and Ukraine's military recruitment challenges. The conversation is rich with analysis on diplomatic strategies and emerging global trends.

Jim McGregor, a Greater China expert and former Dow Jones head, joins Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, BBC's Asia correspondent in Taiwan, and Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, to discuss the potential impact of Donald Trump's re-election on US-China relations. They explore the risks of new trade tariffs and how Trump's unpredictability might empower China in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan. The conversation also highlights Taiwan's defense spending amid external pressures and the intricate dynamics influencing North Korea's relationship with China.

Professor Steve Tsang, a renowned political scientist and historian specializing in China, delves into Xi Jinping's leadership style, termed 'Sinocentric Consultative Leninism.' He discusses the consolidation of power in the Communist Party, the role of surveillance, and the impact of nationalism and anti-corruption campaigns on society. Tsang also critiques the relationship between governance and public sentiment, examines challenges in democratic reforms, and reflects on China's assertive global diplomacy and influence in the Global South.

Exploring Xi Jinping's consolidation of power and extended reign. Analyzing his ambitions and ideology, along with China's evolving global role. Understanding the differences between Marxism and Leninism. Power dynamics of the Chinese Communist Party and Taiwan's historical evolution.