Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivers a speech at a rally marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
Andrew Browne, Wall Street Journal: Why China’s Xi Refuses to Go Ballistic Over North Korean Nuclear Turmoil
Powerful Chinese president grows timid ahead of pivotal leadership transition
SHANGHAI—At a moment when Xi Jinping desperately craves stability, Northeast Asia is in turmoil.
The escalating nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula presents Mr. Xi with an acute challenge just weeks ahead of a Communist Party Congress expected to return him to power for another five-year term.
Kim Jong Un is playing him, as he does U.S. President Donald Trump, by ignoring admonishments and warnings from Beijing and Washington alike.
The North Korean dictator set off his country’s most powerful nuclear explosion yet over the weekend. The timing could hardly have been worse for Mr. Xi, who was preparing to lead a Chinese-hosted summit of major emerging economies.
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WNU Editor: There is a lot of truth in the above analysis. We must not forget that Chinese President Xi is facing a very important Party Congress next month, and there are many who do not want to see him succeed. For the past few months President Xi has been tempering all of his policies, image, and actions to this one event. After that .... especially the months after the Congress when key allies have been positioned .... it will be a different Xi that we will see .... or that is at least the consensus among Chinese watchers. I can also say the same About Russian President Putin. He is facing an election next year (in March), and he is definitely tailoring all of his policies and actions with this in mind. Both men .... to put it bluntly .... do not want any surprises. Unfortunately .... North Korea is proving to be a problem for them .... a problem that I am sure was discussed today when both men met for a private talk .... Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin Issue A Joint Communique On North Korea.
