How Xi Jinping Is Transforming China (For Better 👍 and for Worse 👎) - VisualPolitik EN

Summary

This video from VisualPolitik explores Xi Jinping's re-election at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and his consolidation of power. It highlights Xi's achievements, such as the eradication of extreme poverty, infrastructure expansion, and advancements in China's space program and military. However, the video also discusses significant failures, including the zero-COVID policy, economic struggles, and rising tensions with neighboring countries. The video poses the question of whether Xi Jinping's leadership will continue to shape China's future positively or further strain its economy and international relations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Xi Jinping secured a historic third term at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, gaining absolute control over Chinese politics.
• 👥 Xi replaced several top political figures with loyalists in the Politburo's Standing Committee, ending the era of plurality within the Communist Party.
• ⚖️ Xi Jinping's consolidation of power has been compared to Mao Zedong, with media describing the event as a 'Great Purge' of opposition factions within the party.
• 💸 One of Xi's major achievements is reducing extreme poverty in China, though the government's definition of poverty is criticized for setting low standards.
• 🚄 Under Xi's leadership, China has greatly expanded its infrastructure, including the addition of over 40,000 kilometers of high-speed rail and the construction of new airports.
• 🚀 China has made significant advancements in its space program, landing rovers on both the moon and Mars, and developing its own space station, the Tian Gong.
• 🛡 Xi Jinping has modernized China's military by reducing troop numbers, focusing on advanced technology, and tightening party control over the armed forces.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Xi established the National Security Commission, further centralizing power by personally overseeing matters of national security, economic, and ideological control.
• 🏘 China's economy faces challenges, including an unproductive infrastructure investment strategy, growing debt, and a severe real estate crisis with millions of empty homes.
• 😷 Xi's strict 'zero-COVID' policy has become a major failure, resulting in economic stagnation and ongoing lockdowns, contributing to rising unemployment and public discontent.

Q & A

What significant political event occurred during the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China?

Xi Jinping was re-elected and secured a historic third term as the leader of China, marking a significant consolidation of power.

What changes did Xi Jinping make to the Politburo Standing Committee during the Congress?

Four members of the Politburo Standing Committee were replaced by Xi Jinping's loyal followers, reducing factional plurality within the Communist Party.

Why do some media outlets refer to the 20th Congress as a 'Great Purge'?

The term 'Great Purge' is used because Xi Jinping removed key figures from rival factions, such as Wang Yang and Li Keqiang from the Youth League faction, consolidating his power further.

What are Xi Jinping’s main achievements according to the Chinese government during his first two terms?

His major achievements include eradicating extreme poverty (by Chinese standards), boosting infrastructure, advancing the space program, modernizing the military, and tightening national security.

How has China’s space program progressed under Xi Jinping?

Under Xi Jinping, China has made significant strides in space exploration, including landing rovers on the moon and Mars, and constructing its own navigation system and space station.

What is the 'Military-Civil Fusion' strategy introduced by Xi Jinping?

The 'Military-Civil Fusion' strategy involves leveraging civilian technologies for military purposes, with the goal of creating a more technologically advanced and modern military.

What is the National Security Commission and why is it important?

The National Security Commission, chaired by Xi Jinping, was established to strengthen the Communist Party's control over national security and foreign policy, allowing Xi to make decisions unilaterally.

What impact has Xi Jinping's control over Hong Kong had on the region?

Xi Jinping's control has led to the political and judicial subjugation of Hong Kong, curbing its freedoms and dissident activities, which has been a major nationalist victory for the regime.

What are some of the major failures of Xi Jinping's leadership?

Major failures include the economic downturn, rising unemployment, the real estate crisis, growing national debt, and the unsuccessful 'zero-COVID' policy, which isolated China from the world.

How has China's foreign policy under Xi Jinping impacted its global relations?

China’s aggressive foreign policy, including its stance on Taiwan and the South China Sea, has led to stronger military and economic alliances against China, especially with the U.S., isolating China diplomatically.