Xi Jinping has preserved his position but can he revive reform? In this talk, Dr Willy Lam will examine supreme leader Xi Jinping’s relations with principal stakeholders in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) establishment, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) top brass, the spies and security-related cadres, fellow princelings, and party elders. Particular focus will be put on his ties with top generals and admirals, including speculation that his military proteges have been removed by his foes so as to isolate Xi.

China's leader, Xi Jinping, is one of the most powerful individuals in the world ‒ and one of the least understood. Much can be learned, however, about both Xi Jinping and the nature of the party he leads from the memory and legacy of his father, the revolutionary Xi Zhongxun (1913–2002). The elder Xi served the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for more than seven decades. He worked at the right hand of prominent leaders Zhou Enlai and Hu Yaobang.