#466 – Jeffrey Wasserstrom: China, Xi Jinping, Trade War, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mao

This episode explores the parallels and differences between Xi Jinping and Mao Zedong, examining their leadership styles and the impact of Confucianism and communism on modern China. Against the backdrop of Xi Jinping's personality cult, similar to Mao's, the discussion highlights a key difference: Xi's emphasis on order and stability, contrasting with Mao's embrace of chaos. More significantly, the conversation delves into Confucianism's influence on Chinese society, particularly its emphasis on hierarchical relationships and meritocracy, while acknowledging the inherent tensions between Confucianism and communism in modern China. For instance, the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 are analyzed as a complex movement driven by various factors, including anti-corruption sentiments and a desire for greater political freedom. The episode further examines the pervasive censorship in China, comparing its methods to the dystopian worlds depicted in Orwell's *1984* and Huxley's *Brave New World*, and discusses the challenges faced by journalists and academics working on China. Finally, the conversation touches upon the ongoing trade war between the US and China, exploring the cultural and political dimensions of the conflict and the potential for escalation, particularly regarding Taiwan.