When he took office, Li Keqiang was seen as an economic reformer. However, it quickly became clear that Xi had different ideas. He increasingly sidelined the Premier, who had risen through the Communist Youth League, and made all major decisions himself. Li only hinted at his differing views occasionally.
By Christiane Kuehl
Beijing is about to host the most important economic CCP meeting in years. Observers expect indications of upcoming reforms. However, a large economic stimulus package is unlikely.
By Jörn Petring
Deng Xiaoping, China's state and party leader from 1979 to 1997, was the only Chinese leader to admit mistakes publicly. Xi Jinping has never done so. But shortly before the Third Plenum, where the leadership sets the future course, it would be imperative to do so. It is the only way to pull the economy out of the pit of stagnation.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Xi Jinping is outraged because Biden and Baerbock publicly call him a dictator. China has different terms and a different understanding of what defines an autocrat. And yet, the controversy is about more than words – it is about the intellectual interpretation of political narratives and who can disseminate them internally and externally.
By Fabian Peltsch
The ousting of China's minister of defense seems to fit seamlessly into a series of high-level purges. Again, sources report house arrest and allegations of corruption. However, Li Shangfu was considered a confidant of Xi Jinping. Is this a sign of the autocrat's paranoia, or is Xi under pressure? At the very least, Xi's internal reputation is dented.
By Michael Radunski
The G20 summit in India will proceed without Xi Jinping this weekend. His absence upsets the already difficult dispute over a final declaration. For host Narendra Modi, his reputation as an aspiring world leader is also at stake. But from India's perspective, agreement on the final document could not be the only sign of success.
By Christiane Kuehl
It is well known that China sees the USA as its biggest rival and stoically sticks to Russia despite certain problems. Far less well known is how intellectuals in the People's Republic justify this stance – and how critical they often are of Russia.
By Christiane Kuehl
The BRICS countries have agreed on a mechanism for future expansion but are keeping it secret. Meanwhile, China's president had trouble with bouncers. Also bizarre: the propaganda machine claimed he had given a speech, which he was supposedly represented for.
By Redaktion Table