習近平金句連連，李強路人甲連出鏡機會都剝奪；中國的發展機會究竟是哪一股勢力奪走的？清明燒紙錢都要管？不躺平的官員出奇招【江峰漫談20240328第844期】

Summary

In this episode of 'Jiang Feng Talks,' aired on March 28, 2024, the host critiques Xi Jinping's recent interactions with both American and Dutch leaders, highlighting the contrast between Xi's rhetoric on China's 'right to development' and the realities of international business and diplomacy. The program dissects how China's internal policies, such as the controversial restrictions on traditional funeral items in Nantong, reveal deeper societal and cultural conflicts within the country. Additionally, the narrative explores the broader implications of these policies on China's development and international relations, offering a stark examination of the tension between state narratives and public sentiment.

Takeaways

• 🔴 Xi Jinping's recent engagement with top U.S. business leaders like Blackstone and Bloomberg reflects a direct involvement in economic diplomacy, previously managed by the Chinese Premier.
• 💬 The absence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang at these high-profile meetings signifies a possible shift in power dynamics within the Chinese political hierarchy.
• 💯 Xi's rhetoric at these meetings, though appealing to domestic audiences, may cause discomfort among foreign business leaders due to its aggressive and uncompromising tone.
• 🌍 Discussions about global development and competition are juxtaposed with accusations of intellectual property theft by China, suggesting hypocrisy in China's international relations.
• 📝 Xi's comments about development rights and technological progress likened to robbers demanding rights to withdraw money without deposit, illustrating his confrontational approach to international diplomacy.
• 🌊 The script highlights a broader narrative of criticism against authoritarian regimes, which are often seen as shifting blame and responsibility away from themselves.
• 📰 The portrayal of Li Qiang and other Chinese officials as sidelined in major diplomatic and economic forums suggests a consolidation of power by Xi Jinping.
• 🌮 Local government actions, like the controversial ban on 'feudal superstition' funeral items in Nantong, spark public dissent and media debate, reflecting tensions between local and central government policies.
• 🎇 The program touches on the cultural and historical significance of Qingming Festival, emphasizing traditional practices like tomb sweeping which are defended against being labeled as superstitious.
• 📸 The use of media in China to manage public perception and the depiction of international relations is critically examined, revealing the complexity and strategic nature of Chinese propaganda.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of Xi Jinping's meeting with American business executives?

Xi Jinping met with 18 American business executives, including representatives from Blackstone Group, Bloomberg, FedEx, and Qualcomm, to discuss investment and high-tech cooperation. This meeting was part of China's efforts to engage with global business leaders to strengthen economic ties.

Why did the script mention that Premier Li Qiang's role seemed diminished during this meeting?

The script suggested that traditionally, meetings involving economic development with business leaders are chaired by the State Council Premier, which in this case would have been Li Qiang. His absence was noted as significant, indicating that Xi Jinping might be assuming more direct control over these high-level economic engagements.

What criticism did Xi Jinping face regarding his statements during the meeting?

Xi Jinping was criticized for using rhetoric that was seen as more suited for domestic propaganda—phrases that might 'please the pink', or the nationalist supporters, but make international business partners uncomfortable due to their aggressive and uncompromising tone.

What analogy did the script use to describe Xi Jinping's assertion about China's right to development?

The script compared Xi Jinping's assertion that 'Chinese people have the legitimate right to development' to robbers entering a bank with AK47s claiming they have the right to withdraw money. It highlighted the perceived absurdity and contradiction in using aggressive rhetoric for what should be a natural economic competition and development.

How did the meeting between Xi Jinping and the Dutch Prime Minister go, according to the script?

The meeting between Xi Jinping and the Dutch Prime Minister appeared to have been unsuccessful, particularly concerning discussions about lifting export restrictions on high-end lithography machines for semiconductor manufacturing, a critical component in China's tech ambitions.

What does the script imply about the political spying activities by China in the Netherlands?

The script references allegations by Dutch intelligence services that Chinese-supported cyber spies had infiltrated Dutch military networks. This was mentioned in the context of ongoing concerns about China's international espionage activities.

What was the local controversy in Nantong, China, as mentioned in the script?

The controversy in Nantong revolved around a local government notice prohibiting the production and sale of funeral items deemed as 'feudal superstitions', such as paper money (joss paper), which sparked significant public backlash and criticism from national media.

How does the script address the issue of 'feudal superstition' in the context of joss paper?

The script criticizes the local government's attempt to label joss paper as a feudal superstition, arguing that it is a longstanding cultural practice integral to Chinese ancestral rites, thus not merely superstitious but a part of traditional cultural expression.

What broader theme does the script suggest about the Chinese government's handling of cultural practices?

The script suggests a broader theme of tension between central and local government interpretations of cultural practices. It highlights a struggle over the control and definition of what constitutes permissible cultural and religious activities in China.

How does the script characterize Xi Jinping's leadership style?

The script portrays Xi Jinping's leadership style as autocratic, with a tendency to dominate decision-making processes and a preference for propaganda-like rhetoric that tends to oversimplify complex issues and overlook practical implications.