China’s Xi Jinping Solidifies Power

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 19th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 19th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. AP Photo/Andy Wong
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 19th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 19th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. AP Photo/Andy Wong

China’s Xi Jinping Solidifies Power

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China’s all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee revealed new senior leadership at the Communist Party’s 19th National Congress. The selections were all supporters of current President Xi Jinping. By breaking with tradition and not naming a possible successor, Xi is certain to maintain unquestioned rule for the foreseeable future.

To discuss Xi’s new grip on power, we’re joined by Wen Huang, a Chicago-based writer, journalist, and human rights advocate. He’s author of the books The Little Red Guard and A Death in the Lucky Holiday Hotel: Murder, Money and an Epic Power Struggle in China.