Frontline: China, the U.S., and the Rise of Xi Jinping

Key Events and Context

• Xi Jinping Congratulates Donald Trump: Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly called President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his election victory.
• Trump's Stance on China: Trump named China hawks to his cabinet and announced plans to impose tariffs on Chinese imports.
• 100th Anniversary of the CCP (July 2021): Xi Jinping celebrated China's emergence as a wealthy nation and outlined his ambitions.

Xi Jinping's Rise and Policies

• Background: Xi learned in his youth the importance of mastering Maoist ideologies to survive politically.
• Infrastructure and Economic Ambitions:
  • Launched the largest infrastructure project in history.
  • Aiming to make China dominant in artificial intelligence.
  • Plans to replace the dollar as the world's reserve currency.
• Relation with the U.S.: Xi’s relationship with the U.S. is marked by hostility.

Historical Context

• Xi's Childhood and Cultural Revolution:
  • Father was purged during Mao's regime; endured struggle sessions.
  • Xi was sent to work in the countryside as a youth.
• Cultural Revolution: Many Chinese suffered during Mao's regime; millions were killed.

Political Career

• Provincial and National Roles:
  • Xi served in various party roles, eventually rising to the presidency.
  • Known for anti-corruption campaigns and authoritarian governance.
• Policies:
  • Document Number Nine: Outlined ideological restrictions against Western values.
  • Massive surveillance and control over the public and internet.

Human Rights Issues

• Xinjiang and the Uyghurs:
  • Alleged human rights abuses, with over a million detained in camps.
• Hong Kong:
  • Erosion of "one country, two systems" policy.
  • National security law used to suppress protests.

International Relations and Military Expansion

• South China Sea:
  • Strategic building of artificial islands and military expansion.
• Hong Kong and Taiwan:
  • Hong Kong’s autonomy undermined.
  • Taiwan remains a focal point of potential conflict.

U.S.-China Trade War

• Trump Administration:
  • Imposed tariffs leading to a prolonged trade war.
  • Trade deficits increased despite tariffs.

Current Challenges and Future Prospects

• Economy:
  • Slowing growth, high unemployment, and international skepticism.
• Internal Dissatisfaction:
  • COVID lockdowns led to significant public protests.
• Global Standing: Xi's China faces challenges at home and abroad as it seeks to exert influence globally.