THE WAR THAT XI JINPING HIDES FROM THE WORLD

Summary

The script discusses the intense power struggle within China's political landscape, highlighting the concentration of power in the hands of a few leaders over the past 75 years. The focus is on key figures such as Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping, each of whom shaped the nation's direction. Xi's breaking of the two-term rule, the rise of internal factions opposing him, and the ongoing economic crisis are explored. The tensions within the Chinese Communist Party are intensifying, with prominent figures like Xi's closest allies now facing political setbacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The struggle for power within China is one of the greatest risks to global stability.
• 😀 China has a highly concentrated system of power, and internal disputes are often opaque until a new leader emerges.
• 😀 In 75 years of communism, China has had only five main leaders, with Mao Zedong serving the longest period from 1949 to 1976.
• 😀 After Mao's death, China saw a brief period of weak leadership under Hua Guofeng before Deng Xiaoping took over in a 'white coup'.
• 😀 Deng Xiaoping, who led from 1978 to 1992, modernized China and moved away from Maoism, shaping the country into what it is today.
• 😀 Two subsequent leaders served for two five-year terms: Jiang Zemin (1992-2002) and Hu Jintao (2002-2012), overseeing significant economic growth.
• 😀 Jiang Zemin passed away shortly after the 20th Congress of the Communist Party, which confirmed Xi Jinping's third term.
• 😀 Hu Jintao was notably removed forcefully during the 20th Congress in 2022, marking a pivotal moment in China's leadership dynamics.
• 😀 Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2012, broke the tradition of two presidential terms and is now in his third term, raising concerns about excessive concentration of power.
• 😀 Xi has faced opposition from multiple factions within the Communist Party, including the 'Princes' faction led by Deng Xiaoping's son and Maoist factions.
• 😀 There has been a recent shift with former allies of Xi, whom he elevated to power, now being removed or falling from grace within the political landscape.

Q & A

What is one of the greatest global risks mentioned in the transcript?

The power struggle within China is considered one of the greatest risks to global stability.

How is power concentrated in China, and why does this make internal disputes significant?

China has a highly centralized system of power, and internal disputes are typically secretive until a new leader emerges. This makes the country's internal power struggles potentially destabilizing.

How many leaders has China had in the past 75 years of communism?

China has had only five leaders in 75 years of communism.

Who was the first leader of China after the communist revolution, and how long did they rule?

Mao Zedong was the first leader of China, ruling from 1949 until his death in 1976, a period of 27 years.

What was the role of Hua Guofeng in Chinese leadership, and why is he not considered a significant leader?

Hua Guofeng succeeded Mao after his death, but he had little influence and was in power only for a short time. His reign is considered less impactful compared to other leaders.

What major shift did Deng Xiaoping initiate during his leadership?

Deng Xiaoping initiated the process of distancing China from Maoism and began its modernization, which played a significant role in transforming China into the global power it is today.

How long did Jiang Zemin serve as China’s leader, and what marked the end of his leadership?

Jiang Zemin served from 1992 to 2002, and his leadership ended shortly after the 20th Congress of the Communist Party, when Xi Jinping assumed power.

What significant event occurred during Hu Jintao’s leadership?

During Hu Jintao’s leadership, China experienced significant economic growth, but he was famously removed forcefully during the 20th Congress of the Communist Party in 2022.

What controversial action did Xi Jinping take regarding term limits, and how was it perceived?

Xi Jinping broke the two-term limit rule and began his third term in power, which was seen as an improper consolidation of power by some factions within the party.

What internal opposition does Xi Jinping face, and who are the key factions involved?

Xi Jinping faces opposition from various factions within the Communist Party, including the 'princes' faction (led by Deng Xiaoping’s son) and the Maoists, along with former supporters from the Communist Youth League. These factions are now allied in opposition to Xi.