Third Plenum: “Narrative Does Not Always Equal Reality”
On Twitter, former Mexican ambassador to China Jorge Guajardo expresses skepticism about recent analyses of Xi Jinping’s position after last weekend’s Third Plenum:
Is it just me or is anyone else getting the impression that China watchers are using the third plenum to pretend they understand China?
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
I have said it many times, anyone who claims to understand what is happening in China is simply making it up.
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
The new narrative for China watchers is that of Xi as the strongman. The fact of the matter is none of us know if it's true or not.
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
How strong a leader can Xi Jinping be if he has to govern with two living former presidents (plus Zeng Qihong, Li Peng, et al)?
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
How strong a leader can Xi Jinping be if 5 of the 7 standing committee politburo members retire in 4 years and replacements are Hu allies?
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
How strong a leader can Xi Jinping be if he really targets corruption (livelihood) within the Communist Party? Doesn't get him many allies.
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
How did the narrative change from Xi Jinping, "disappearing" Vice President, to the strongest leader in China since Mao or Deng's times?
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
Xi Jinping's China, in foreign media eyes, is the only place where somebody is considered strong because he manages to form a committee.
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
So new committee is formed in China (we have no idea if it is for foreign or domestic affairs) hence Xi is strongest leader in modern times.
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
I am not saying Xi is not strongest leader ever. I am only saying we have no way of knowing. Narrative does not always equal reality.
— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) November 17, 2013
See also Guajardo’s tweeted reminiscences of his encounters with Bo Xilai following Bo’s trial in August, via CDT.
