Ebook
With the rise to power of the fifth generation in 2012, Xi Jinping became the undisputed leader of China. For the first time, the descendant of a Communist hero, a “red princeling,” has reached the highest rungs of power in the Middle Kingdom. His personality a study in contrasts, Xi is the archetypal “son of” the lost generation. A chaotic path has led him from the sweetness of Zhongnanhai, the seat of Chinese political power, to the horrors of the Cultural Revolution. He experienced both honors and disgraces in his succession to the head of the Party.
Xi’s return to Zhongnanhai raises many questions. Will he be an “ephemeral” president? Will he give priority to Reform, turn toward a Western form of government or fall in line with the approach of his elders? As he begins his first term, Xi Jinping knows that many challenges lie ahead, with the absolute imperative to keep China “as stable as Mount Taishan.”
List of Tables
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part 1. Born under Mao (1953–1976)
Chapter 1. Revolutionary Roots
Chapter 2. The Little Emperors of Zhongnanhai
Chapter 3. Disgrace
Chapter 4. Return to the Yellow Earth
Part 2. A Young Reformist Cadre (1976–2003)
Chapter 5. Rising Star
Chapter 6. 17 years in Fujian
Chapter 7. The Charismatic Peng Liyuan
Chapter 8. The Final Days of the Father
Part 3. The Leader of the 5th Generation (2007–2012)
Chapter 9. In Search of a Successor
Chapter 10. The Year of the Dragon
Chapter 11. The 18th Congress
Chapter 12. A Red Princeling Par Excellence
Chapter 13. All the President’s Men
Part 4. The Challenges of a New Generation
Chapter 14. Xi and Li Put to the Test
Chapter 15. The Singapore Model
Chapter 16. Sensitive Territory
Chapter 17. Xi Jinping in Command
Chapter 18. High Profile Diplomacy
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index