PODCAST:The Prince
TITLE:Hide and bide
DATE:2022-09-28 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
Episode 2 of "The Prince," titled "Hide and Bide," delves into Xi Jinping's early life and career, revealing how his experiences shaped his approach to leadership and his eventual rise to power. Narrated by Sulyn Wong from The Economist, the episode paints a picture of Xi as a prudent and cautious figure, navigating the complexities of China's political landscape.
The podcast begins by showcasing Xi Jinping's personal life, including his marriage to the famous singer Peng Liyuan, who was more well-known than Xi at the time. This backdrop sets the stage for understanding Xi's character and ambitions.
Xi's early career is characterized by his modest beginnings and his understated approach. He started as a private secretary to a military boss, Geng Biao, learning the intricacies of power and politics. This experience, coupled with his exposure to party ideology during his university education, laid the foundation for his political acumen.
Xi's decision to work in rural areas, despite being a "princeling," is highlighted as a strategic move. It allowed him to gain firsthand experience in governance and to build a reputation for integrity and dedication. The podcast points out that Xi's time in Fujian province coincided with the Lai Changxing scandal, a massive smuggling case involving high-level corruption. Despite the scandal's proximity, Xi emerged unscathed, maintaining a clean image.
Xi's rise through the ranks is portrayed as a calculated journey, marked by a low profile and careful maneuvering. He avoided controversy and did not align himself with any particular faction within the Communist Party. This strategy paid off when he was appointed as the party secretary of Zhejiang province and later Shanghai, positioning him as a leading figure in China's political arena.
The episode also touches on the broader context of China's transformation under Deng Xiaoping's leadership, which shifted the country towards economic liberalization while maintaining tight political control. Xi's career is shown as being deeply influenced by these changes, as he navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by China's rapid development and increasing openness to the world.
In conclusion, "Hide and Bide" offers an insightful look into Xi Jinping's early life and political career, suggesting that his rise to power was not just a product of his elite background but also a result of his strategic and cautious approach to politics. The episode sets the stage for understanding Xi's leadership style and his vision for China, which would become more apparent as he assumed higher offices.
