Pekingology

In this episode from the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Joseph Torigian joins host Bonny Lin to discuss his newly released book, The Party’s Interests Come First: The Life of Xi Zhongxun, Father of Xi Jinping. Dr. Torigian describes the life and struggle of Xi Zhongxun as a party official during the Cultural revolution and specifically the impact he had on the life and political views of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Dr. Torigian notes that his book utilizes the story of Xi Zhongxun’s life as a lens to better understand how the Party works and why both Xi Zhongxun and Xi Jinping believe certain values, such as those of sacrifice and suffering for the greater good, are highly important. He describes how Xi Jinping was viewed positively by his father due to the idea that his son had “eaten more bitterness” than other children, even going as far as to state that Xi Jinping had “the makings of a premier.” Dr. Torigian describes how deeply involved Xi Zhongxun was during his time in the party on the United Front, ethnic policy in Tibet and Xinjiang, and policy towards Taiwan, and how, because of his father’s dedication to these issues, Xi Jinping views them as personal unfinished business. Finally, Dr. Torigian describes how Xi Zhongxun’s influence on his son has left Xi Jinping with a Hobbesian view of the world and with the idea that the Party is the best tool for helping China assert its rightful place in the world and secure its inevitable march towards greatness.

Henrietta Levin, former Deputy China Coordinator for Global Affairs at the U.S. State Department, and Luis Simón, director at CSDS, dive into U.S.-China relations in this engaging chat. They analyze the impact of the Trump administration's policies on trade and security concerns. The discussion highlights NATO's shifting perspectives on China and the implications of North Korea's growing ties with Russia. Additionally, they explore how geopolitical distractions could lead to aggressive actions in Taiwan and Korea, emphasizing the need for strong leadership in these turbulent times.

On this episode from the Trade Guys, Bill Reinsch, Scott Miller, and Andrew Schwartz unpack the Geneva agreement between the U.S. and China to deescalate their trade war. They also look at the US-UK framework agreement and what lessons it offers for other countries looking to negotiate with the Trump administration. Originally aired on May 15, 2025.

Jon Czin, the Michael H. Armacost Chair in Foreign Policy Studies at Brookings and former CIA analyst, delves into the intricate decision-making within the People's Republic of China. He discusses Xi Jinping’s rise to power, the influence of personal experiences on leadership, and the complex relationship between China’s domestic politics and its foreign policy strategy, particularly regarding the U.S. Czin highlights the ongoing struggle against corruption and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of Chinese political dynamics.

Chen Dongxiao, President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, shares his insights on China's rising role in global politics. He discusses the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations, particularly under the Biden administration, emphasizing the competitive but necessary dialogue needed for cooperation. Dongxiao also highlights the pivotal role of think tanks in shaping these relations, advocating for more creative approaches to global challenges through track-2 dialogues. His candid reflections offer a unique perspective on the complexities of international diplomacy.

In this special episode from The Truth of the Matter from CSIS, host Andrew Schwartz speaks with Scott Kennedy, CSIS senior adviser and Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics, to discuss the latest in the U.S.-China trade war, including China’s technological capabilities, new export controls, and the possibility of future decoupling.Original interview published on April 17, 2025.

Martin K. Dimitrov, a political science professor at Tulane University and expert on authoritarianism, shares fascinating insights from his work on dictatorship and information. He reflects on his Bulgarian childhood during communism and how personal experiences shape views on repressive regimes. The discussion dives into how authoritarian leaders grapple with controlling information, the balance between public sentiment and propaganda, and strategies from Eastern European communist regimes to maintain compliance. Dimitrov's analysis reveals the intricate dynamics of authoritarian resilience, particularly in China.

Xuezhi Guo, the Lincoln Financial Professor of Political Science at Guilford College and author of 'The Politics of the Core Leader in China,' dives into the evolution of China's political leadership. He discusses the crucial shift under Xi Jinping from collective leadership to concentrated power, linking it to historical practices of core leadership. Guo highlights how Confucianism and Legalism have shaped governance while elucidating the balance needed between strongmen and collective rule. The conversation also explores the implications for the future of China's political landscape.

Victor Shih, an associate professor at UC San Diego, delves into the intricate elite politics of China, drawing from his insights in elite political strategies. He intriguingly discusses the delicate balance dictators maintain to avoid empowering capable deputies too much, and the shifts in power dynamics post-Mao. Shih also examines how Mao’s 'coalitions of the weak' contrast with Deng's approach and highlights the struggles of 1990s princelings, particularly how Xi Jinping's rise reflects these evolving strategies amid complex internal and geopolitical challenges.

Zongyuan Zoe Liu, a Fellow for international political economy at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of 'Sovereign Funds,' discusses the intricate ways the Communist Party of China finances its global ambitions. She unpacks the evolution of sovereign wealth funds, using examples from Kuwait to Norway, and illustrates China’s unique approach shaped by political and economic strategies. Liu also dives into Central Huijin’s role in banking reforms and examines how Chinese sovereign funds navigate international partnerships, especially in the face of geopolitical tensions.