Introduction

> “One of the biggest misconceptions about modern China is that it’s a monolith fueled by a single ideology. In reality, there's a rich tapestry of diverse voices and regional variations, and understanding this complexity is essential for grasping the country’s current dynamics.”

> “The historical context of China's rise cannot be understated. It’s not just about the present; it’s about how past events are woven together with current policies, shaping the future in ways that often go unnoticed.”

Xi Jinping and Mao Zedong

> One key commonality between Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping is their personality cults, with Xi Jinping being the first leader since Mao to have a sustained cult. This is seen through the prevalence of books and speeches glorifying them in China.

> A significant difference lies in their approach to chaos and stability. Mao thrived in disorder and upheaval, while Xi Jinping values orderliness and control, preferring stability over unpredictability. This is reflected in their views on Confucian traditions, with Mao dismissing them as holding China back while Xi Jinping speaks positively about them, emphasizing stable hierarchies.

Confucius

> Understanding the role of Confucianism in contemporary China reveals a fascinating juxtaposition between historical reverence and modern political ideology. Confucianism emphasizes “stable hierarchy” where every relationship, whether it’s between father and son or emperor and minister, is underpinned by mutual obligations, suggesting that the past holds a purity that is worth reclaiming, not advancing from.

> At the same time, Xi Jinping embodies this tension of integrating Confucian ideals with communism, drawing on a “multi-thousand-year history of China” to evoke a sense of national greatness while managing contradictions. It’s a peculiar dance of honoring a golden past while promoting a singular party rule—a testament to how historical narratives can be intertwined with modern governance.

Education

> There's an optimism in Confucius's idea of education, rooted in the belief that people can be molded through emulation of exemplary figures and study of past texts. This optimism in the changeability of humans through education is reflected in China's historical emphasis on meritocracy.

> The emphasis on meritocracy in China today, exemplified through rigorous exams like the gaokao, has led to a culture valuing excellence. However, this meritocratic system has also sparked outrage when nepotism and unfairness undermine the principles of meritocracy, leading to significant protests in Chinese history, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square movement.

Tiananmen Square

> Reflecting on the events of Tiananmen Square, I realize that "the protests in 1989 were not just about overthrowing a regime but were an effort to get the Communist Party to better uphold its own stated ideals." The students sought genuine reform, feeling let down by what they viewed as a half-hearted approach to liberalization.

> It's intriguing to think about the moment when "the army just moves in and begins behaving very much like an army of occupation." That stark contrast between how the People's Liberation Army was supposed to function versus how it acted during the crackdown highlights the profound disconnect between the government's narrative and the reality experienced by the people.

Tank Man

> One key point is the symbolism and bravery of the Tank Man in Tiananmen Square, challenging the Chinese Communist Party's narrative. The image of him standing in front of the line of tanks represents the government's loss of mandate to rule.

> Another crucial aspect is how powerful images, like the Tank Man in front of the tanks, can shape narratives and challenge authority. The Chinese Communist Party seems to have learned from this and now carefully controls visual representations to maintain their authority, as seen in their handling of protests in Hong Kong and the lack of information on individuals like the Tank Man.

Censorship

> Censorship in China operates through "fear, friction, and flooding," as articulated by Margaret Roberts; it's fascinating how tangible fear plays a role, but it's the friction—making access to information a struggle—that truly keeps the populace in check. "You make it harder for people to get answers... the internet moves slower."

> There's a remarkable irony in censorship. People can read totalitarian literature like Orwell's *1984* or Huxley’s *Brave New World*—books that seem critical of oppressive regimes—yet the narratives aren't directly about China, allowing some reflection on their society without facing immediate backlash. "Censorship is most restrictive when it's things that are actually about China."

> The dynamic state of control in China feels like a dance between Orwellian and Huxleyan elements. As conditions change, the regime oscillates; we see moments of overt oppression reminiscent of *1984*, particularly in places like Xinjiang and Tibet, contrasted with a "Brave New World" style of populace distraction through consumerism and technology.

> Reflecting on Mao's hypothetical reaction to modern China, it's clear he'd be astounded by the entrepreneurial spirit and the vibrant discourse found in today’s bookstores. "You can still read... these incredible minds flourish," yet the irony persists: such spaces are now often outside China, highlighting the loss for those within who seek the same kind of intellectual freedom.

Xi Jinping

> First, the structure of the Communist Party apparatus in China remains quite opaque under Xi Jinping, with internal power struggles largely hidden. We lack the depth of insight we had into previous leaders, making it challenging to grasp Xi's true motivations.

> Second, Xi Jinping presents himself as an orderly and scholarly nationalist. His persona is carefully curated, emphasizing his commitment to China's past and the prevention of a Soviet-style collapse, shaping his calculated yet enigmatic leadership style.

> Lastly, journalists, especially those critical of the Chinese government, face increasing risks and constraints in reporting on China. The changing landscape has made it harder to anticipate what topics or actions may result in visa denials or other repercussions, adding complexity and risk to engaging with the country.

Donald Trump

> One key reflection is the complex nature of the relationship between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump; it's not just a simple case of tough talk or a straightforward diplomatic dance. The unpredictability of Trump can be unsettling for Xi, yet the tough rhetoric can paradoxically benefit the Chinese Communist Party by justifying their grip on power amidst a perceived global threat.

> Another insight I shared is the stark difference in transparency between the U.S. and China in terms of political discourse. While I appreciate the openness of the Trump administration's cabinet members, whose willingness to engage in extended discussions sheds light on U.S. strategies, it makes me wistful for similar transparency from Chinese leaders, highlighting the asymmetry in the information available about these global superpowers.

Trade war

> It's crucial to remember that the US-China trade war is not just about economics, but also about a deeply cultural standoff. China's historical narrative of being bullied by foreign powers plays a significant role in shaping their approach to the trade war.

> The dynamics of the US-China relationship are affected by factors beyond just Washington and Beijing. Events like the Sino-Soviet split and 9/11 have dramatically altered the trajectory of their relations in the past, showing the importance of considering other global players and variables in the current standoff.

Taiwan

> Reflecting on the complex situation surrounding Hong Kong and Taiwan, I see a clear narrative. The initial promise of "one country, two systems" was intended to showcase a model for Taiwan's potential unification with China, but as history unfolded, it became evident that "Beijing keeps sort of nibbling away at chipping away at these things." This erosion of autonomy has fueled a stronger, more defining Taiwanese identity, leading to a significant wariness towards Chinese control.

> The parallels drawn between Hong Kong and Taiwan are striking; activists have boldly cautioned, "Taiwan, beware. Hong Kong's today could be Taiwan's tomorrow." As Beijing’s grip tightens on Hong Kong, the urgency for Taiwan to recognize its unique path and resist assimilation becomes even clearer, highlighting the pressing need for distinct identities and political agency in the face of authoritarian expansion.

Protests in Hong Kong

> Age plays a significant role in shaping the intensity of youth movements, as younger individuals face the prospect of losing the Hong Kong they love due to mainlandization, prompting a sense of urgency and impatience.

> Historical protests in Hong Kong, such as in 2012, 2014, and 2019, underscored the importance of defending the rule of law and a degree of separation of powers, even if slogans may not explicitly reflect this critical aspect.

> The unpredictability of social movements is evident in successful protests that may have unintended consequences, emphasizing the need to take a longer-term perspective and understand that history does not follow a linear path.

> Interconnectedness and trade, such as the case of Taiwan and mainland China's trade ties, can act as a check on the escalation of conflict, demonstrating the potential for stability through global interdependence.

Mao Zedong

> The historical trajectory of China shows us that “Mao’s rise to power was a complicated blend of revolution and opportunism during a time of great upheaval.” Understanding the dynamics between the Nationalist and Communist parties is key; the initial cooperation was strategic yet ultimately fell apart as ideological differences emerged. Mao’s focus on peasantry as a revolutionary force was not merely aping Marxist theory but an innovative adaptation to China's unique situation.

> Reflecting on Mao's leadership and his catastrophic policies, especially during the Great Leap Forward, raises the question of accountability: “How could someone so catastrophically wrong on such a massive scale remain at the helm?” The culture of fear that permeated the Communist Party surely played a role, fostering an environment where honesty was sacrificed for survival—leading to horrendous outcomes, as millions perished from famine and poor governance.

> In examining Xi Jinping as a contemporary leader, it's apparent that he embodies aspects of both Mao and his predecessor, Chiang Kai-shek. Xi’s rule reflects a “continuation of certain historical legacies,” drawing on Mao's nationalism while also embracing some values from the past that Chiang represented. Yet, he is navigating a careful path, attempting to benefit from Mao's strengths while distancing himself from the chaos associated with his more radical policies. This duality frames the complexities of modern governance in China.

Future of China

> Looking into the future, I hope for a return to a China that embraces diversity, creativity, and openness to civil society like Hong Kong once did. Despite the challenges, I see the Hong Kong spirit spreading globally, influencing protest movements and inspiring a different vision of Chinese identity. Embracing the multiple cultural traditions within China, beyond the narrow version promoted by the Chinese Communist Party, could lead to a richer and more admirable future for China and the region.

> I believe in the power of collaboration over conflict, especially in a world connected by technology and nuclear weapons. Each culture has its uniqueness, but we should celebrate our differences and learn from each other, fostering intellectual exchange and appreciation for the beauty of diverse peoples. It's an honor to witness and engage with the deep roots of history in cultures like China, India, and others in Southeast Asia.