Extra credit blog: China and globalization -- LAOXINYI

 I listened to The Prince podcast, an eight-episode series that explores the real story of China’s leader Xi Jinping. It examines his personal experiences, political career, and the impact he has had on China and the world from multiple angles.

Episode 1: "Redder than Red"

  • Focuses on Xi Jinping’s childhood and family background. Born into an elite Communist Party family, he endured political persecution after his father’s fall from power.
  • Describes the hardships he faced during the Cultural Revolution and how he maintained his faith in communism.

Episode 2: "Hide and Bide"

  • Covers Xi’s grassroots political career in Fujian province, where he kept a relatively low profile and avoided corruption scandals.
  • During this period, his strategy was “hide and bide,” gradually building his political capital.

Episode 3: "Patriot Number One"

  • Explores how Xi consolidated power through anti-corruption campaigns and party reforms.
  • Highlights challenges he faced, including internal corruption and rivals within and outside the Party.

Episode 4: "Man Enough"

  • Details Xi’s early years in office, focusing on efforts to centralize power through party discipline and ideological control.
  • Examines his push for the “Chinese Dream” and national rejuvenation.

Episode 5: "He Who Must Not Be Named"

  • Focuses on the suppression of freedom of speech in China and the strict regulation of the internet.
  • Reflects on individuals’ powerlessness against the state apparatus and the far-reaching effects of censorship.

Episode 6: "Seeds of a Pomegranate"

  • Delves into policies in Xinjiang and hardline measures against the Uyghur population, analyzing the governance logic behind them.
  • Discusses international criticism of China’s human rights record and its economic and diplomatic repercussions.

Episode 7: "Wolf Warriors"

  • Highlights China’s expansion in military and technological spheres and its confrontations with Western nations.
  • Emphasizes Xi’s strategy to position China as a global leader.

Episode 8: "The Great Helmsman"

  • Summarizes how Xi became one of the most powerful leaders in modern Chinese history, breaking with past norms on leadership term limits.
  • Predicts the profound impact of his extended rule on China and the world.

-> Is globalization good for China? 

  - Benefits

      1) Economic and Political Rise
The podcast mentions that Xi Jinping, through economic reforms and the "go global" strategy, has pushed China to play a significant role in globalization. China’s accession to the WTO and the Belt and Road Initiative have helped it become the world’s second-largest economy.

     2) Strengthening Technological and Military Power
Globalization has brought advanced technology to China and promoted the development of its military power. For example, in Episode 7, it is mentioned that China has increased its international standing through military expansion and technological innovation.

     3) National Rejuvenation Goal
Xi Jinping, by emphasizing the "national rejuvenation" narrative, views globalization as a means to achieve the "Chinese Dream".


   - Disadvantages

       1）Tension in International Relations
Globalization has intensified conflicts between China and Western countries, particularly concerning issues like Xinjiang policies, human rights, and military expansion. Episodes 6 and 7 discuss these tensions.

        2）Cultural and Ideological Conflicts
During the process of globalization, freedom of speech and internet censorship have been strictly controlled, which may affect China’s soft power.


-> Is China good for globalization?

    - Benefits 

       1) Economic Contribution
The podcast mentions that China has become the core of global supply chains, driving global economic growth, such as through international investments brought by the Belt and Road Initiative.

      2) Technology and Governance Model Export
China has promoted its governance model and technology through globalization, such as digital economy and infrastructure construction, attracting cooperation from many developing countries.

    - Potential Issues

        1) Geopolitical Challenges
China's international activities are sometimes seen as challenging the existing global order, triggering concerns and resistance from Western countries, as discussed in Episode 8 regarding the potential impact of long-term governance on global rules.

        2) Environmental and Resource Consumption
During globalization, China’s industrialization and urbanization have led to resource consumption and environmental pressure, which are issues of global concern.


After listening to The Prince podcast, I believe that globalization has overall been beneficial to China, as it has achieved some of the goals of national rejuvenation through economic rise, enhanced international standing, and technological progress. China’s impact on globalization includes both positive contributions to the economy and technology, as well as accompanying geopolitical tensions and value conflicts.


Source：https://shows.acast.com/the-prince-from-the-economist/episodes

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