Xi’s Power Grows After Unforeseen Rise to Dominance

As Xi strengthens his grip on China in China’s 20th Party Congress starting on October 16, it is likely that he will redouble his Maoist focus. The depth of this connection between Xi and Mao has been hard to see as it runs counter to our assumptions about the trajectory of China’s rise. For the last 40 years, we have assumed China was becoming more like “us”—abandoning the shackles of communism, and adopting the “free” market. Thus, Xi’s moves have been a surprise to many savvy observers of China, including top strategists in the White House.