Mao Zedong

The 6th plenum will be a historical one for Xi

The 6th plenum of the current Central Committee will convene in Beijing next week. Under normal circumstances of the post-reform era, this would herald the end of Xi Jinping's term in office. But the latter dares to break with Deng Xiaoping and wants to anchor himself even more firmly as the "core of the CP". He also wants to lift himself even further up the all-time list of the historic party hierarchy: above Deng, next to Mao.

By Michael Radunski

Xi consolidates his position at plenum

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"That's the Western view. And with all due respect, it is wrong!"

As a seasoned diplomat, Kishore Mahbubani knows international politics like no other. His Asian perspective challenges Western thought patterns – especially about the conflict between China and the US. In an interview with China.Table, he argues for seeing the world as it is: America is behaving hypocritically, while Xi Jinping enjoys high approval ratings back home. Michael Radunski spoke with Mahbubani.

By Michael Radunski

Qincheng – China's infamous prison

Numerous myths surround Qincheng Prison, located near Beijing. The political prison is reserved for party cadres fallen from grace – and is therefore not under the supervision of China's judiciary.

By Table.Briefings

Where China's leadership takes a political dive

Beijing's top politicians keep their personal affairs under lock and key. Even when they take their summer break and where they spend it. But there are clear indications that they are currently relaxing at the celebrity resort of Beidaihe 北戴河, – and not just for their vacation.

By Table.Briefings

Olympia: Mao pin without repercussions

By Amelie Richter

Olympia: Mao on the podium

China condemns the politicization of the Olympic Games. But at the same time, state media rail against the Americans or praise their athletes when they pay homage to Mao Zedong at the medal ceremony. Athletes from Hong Kong and Taiwan are insulted by nationalists. But anger also mounts against unsuccessful Chinese athletes.

By Marcel Grzanna

How Chairman Mao once turned China's diplomats into sacrificial lambs

The Cultural Revolution did not stop for China's diplomats and Chinese journalists abroad. Mao and the CCP learned from Western sympathizers about the supposed bourgeois and opulent lifestyle of its envoys. A letter from the Austrian Marxist-Leninists pleased Mao in particular. The consequence: a third of all diplomatic service staff were ordered back to China and had to face criticism.

By Table.Briefings

The tailors of the Red Capital

Xi Jinping did not simply wear a Mao-style jacket at his party anniversary appearance, but one with the exact same cut and hue as the original. Our columnist personally knows the tailor who makes these updated versions of the politically charged garment. The master tailor talked about the special requests that head of state Hu Jintao once made for his Gala Mao jacket.

By Table.Briefings

Persecuted by Mao, revered like Mao: Xi's relationship with the great superfather

One of Germany's best-known journalists and a long-time China correspondent have joined forces to write the first comprehensive biography of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of China. And its title also serves as a thesis: "Xi Jinping – the most powerful man in the world". China.Table exclusively publishes a chapter from the new book by Stefan Aust and Adrian Geiges.

By Redaktion Table