The New Long March: China in Xi Jinpings Era

Chinas new domestic reality, since late 2012, formally described as Socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era of Xi Jinping Thought, differs from the previous four decades of reform and transformation. Deng Xiaopings old formula of hiding your strength and biding your time is gone, replaced by assertiveness and displays of power. Following Chinese tradition, all main aims, visions, proposals, and decisions are again state-defined and state-focused. The personal rule of Chairman of everything, Xi Jinping dominates, creating a Party of one. Simultaneously, personal connections, the famous guanxi, are once again more important than institutions.

This study by a former diplomat in Asia, a seasoned Polish sinologist and political scientist is focused on three major issues: the current political system and governance in the PRC, so-called Xi-nomics, and finally Chinas new global role, following the pandemic and the Russian aggression in Ukraine.