Xi Jinping

With the rise to power of the fifth generation in 2012, Xi Jinping became the undisputed leader of China. For the first time, the descendant of a Communist hero, a "red princeling," has reached the highest rungs of power in the Middle Kingdom. His personality a study in contrasts, Xi is the archetypal "son of" the lost generation. A chaotic path has led him from the sweetness of Zhongnanhai, the seat of Chinese political power, to the horrors of the Cultural Revolution. He experienced both honors and disgraces in his succession to the head of the Party.
Xi's return to Zhongnanhai raises many questions. Will he be an "ephemeral" president? Will he give priority to Reform, turn toward a Western form of government or fall in line with the approach of his elders? As he begins his first term, Xi Jinping knows that many challenges lie ahead, with the absolute imperative to keep China "as stable as Mount Taishan."

Agnès Andrésy, specializes in leaders and networks in China. She divides her time between Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong as a business consultant and strategic researcher on China. She was the editor-in-chief of the Chinarcanes subscription newsletter from 2003 to 2009, and also contributed to Études and the Asia Europe Journal. Her other books available in french from L'Harmattan are "Red princelings: The new leaders of China" (2004) and "Who's Hu : The politics and networks of Hu Jintao, president of China" (2008).