The Seventh Lecture of the “Unmasking the CCP: History, Politics, and Society in Post-1949 China” Lecture Series

Title: Party of One: The Rise of Xi Jinping and China's Superpower Future

Speaker: Chun Han Wong (The Wall Street Journal)

Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 4:45–6:00 PM

Location: Uris Hall 202 (Zoom)

Abstract:

China's most powerful leader in generations, Xi Jinping, has cleared the field of all potential rivals and exerts unrivaled authority with no heir in sight. The uncertainty over his succession plans is a mystery by design, one that helps him to maintain control and buy time to assess potential heirs. But keeping the suspense for too long could backfire, alienating protégés and antagonizing enemies, even potentially setting off a succession crisis that unleashes shock waves globally. Chun Han will discuss how the Communist Party and its past leaders have handled succession, as well as insights that can help observers better understand what Xi might do if and when he decides to step away. Chun Han will also discuss his observations about Xi's leadership, his experiences covering China, and the growing challenges in tracking developments in the world's second-largest economy.

Speaker’s Bio:

Chun Han Wong has covered China for The Wall Street Journal since 2014. He was part of a team of reporters named as Pulitzer Prize finalists for their coverage of China’s autocratic turn under Xi Jinping. As a Journal correspondent in Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore, Chun Han has written widely on subjects spanning elite politics, Communist Party doctrine, human and labor rights, and defense and diplomatic affairs. Born and raised in Singapore, Chun Han is a native speaker of English and Mandarin Chinese. He studied international history at the London School of Economics, where he graduated with first-class honors.

Online Registration Link:

https://cornell.zoom.us/j/96806310658?pwd=usDWPY4FYj2TGXdM5UIisqYzAxEhtB.1

The “Unmasking the CCP: History, Politics, and Society in Post-1949 China” Lecture Series is generously supported by the College of Arts & Sciences’ Office of Dean and cosponsored by the Department of History, The Einaudi Center, The East Asia Program, The Society for the Humanities, and The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management.