One Decision

Will a weakening Chinese economy undermine Xi?

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Episode notes

The largest country in the world is on the brink of its first recession in 50 years.  With nearly 75% of China’s wealth tied up in a housing market on the verge of collapse, will President Xi Jinping's crackdowns and concentration of power in his own hands be enough for him to weather the storm ahead? Former British diplomat and world-renowned China expert Dr. Kerry Brown joins us for a deep dive into the country and its leader, the making of President Xi Jinping.  

Our discussion, which as always features analysis from former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove, explores Xi's tumultuous path to joining the Party after nine failed attempts. We follow his political journey through to a questionable response to the most recent health, as well as economic pressures facing the country. The first in a 3-part series on China, we learn more about an increasingly influential and yet not widely understood Chinese President and the economic challenges he faces with a waning economy.