Xi Jinping Consolidates Power
On October 16, delegates in China will meet in the country’s capital, Beijing, for the 20th Communist Party congress. It is widely expected that Xi Jinping will secure an unprecedented third term as president.
President Xi has ruled China since 2012, and during the last decade he has consolidated power within the authoritarian state by targeting critics and excising more control over Hong Kong. In addition, in 2017, he was successful in having his philosophy written into the Constitution further cementing his influence.
What is happening in China?
INSTRUCTORS: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos:
News Articles:
Xi Jinping: From Communist Party princeling to China’s president
BBC NEWS
October 10, 2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-11551399
Xi Jinping’s ‘final purge’ ahead of CCP congress
TAIPEI TIMES
October 8, 2022
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2022/10/08/2003786682
‘COVID zero’ key to Xi legacy as leader prepares for third term
THE JAPAN TIMES
October 6, 2022
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/10/06/asia-pacific/xi-jinping-covid-legacy/
News Articles (Analyses):
Analysis: How China’s Xi accumulated power, and why it matters in a third term
REUTERS
October 11, 2022
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/how-chinas-xi-accumulated-power-why-it-matters-third-term-2022-10-10/
Think Putin is a global threat? Then we need to talk about Xi Jinping
THE GUARDIAN
October 2, 2022
China’s economy after 10 years of Xi Jinping: what worked, what didn’t
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
October 11, 2022
Assessment:
Writing:? What is the significance of a third term for President Xi?
Debate: What are the biggest issues confronting China?
Poll: Should the international community do more to promote human rights in China?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications if Xi Jinping continues to consolidate power?
QUIZ:
China has the second largest economy in the world. (T/F)
President Xi Jinping is the most powerful leader in China since Mao Zedong. (T/F)
In China, a President is unable to serve more than two terms. (T/F)
Which of the following has China threatened?
- Russia.
- Germany.
- Taiwan.
- North Korea.
Which of the following has China exercised more control?
a. South Korea.
b. Hong Kong.
c. Japan.
d. Singapore.
All the following President Xi has had to contend with over the last year EXCEPT.
a. A slowing economy.
b. Restrictive COVID-19 measures.
c. An attempted coup.
d. Support for Vladimir Putin.
