Xi Jinping

Stefan Aust is the former editor-in-chief of Germany’s leading news magazine Der Spiegel and the author of numerous bestselling books including The Baader-Meinhof Complex.Adrian Geiges is the long-standing Beijing correspondent of the weekly news magazine Stern. Previously he worked as a television reporter for Spiegel TV and RTL in Moscow and New York.

"While the US and Europe focus on the threat posed by Vladimir Putin, their bigger challenge comes from Xi Jinping. But what drives the Chinese president? In this wide-ranging book, journalists Aust and Geiges consider this question by exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the man behind the personality cult. A useful primer on a figure who will shape all our futures."Jonathan Watts, Former East Asia correspondent for the Guardian and president of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China "This book about Xi Jinping is an original account of the current political condition in China and the trajectory of this political figure of our time. Enriched by authentic details, it tells an untellable story that is grand in scope. Both the book’s starting point and its development are interesting and engaging. It traces historical happenings, conveys the characteristics of our time, and demonstrates the authors’ in-depth understanding of the subject matter. This depth in the individualized narrative is most needed when we look at politics and history."Ai Weiwei"At this crucial time, it’s more important than ever to understand who Xi is and where he came from, all of which can help us better grasp the direction in which he is leading China. That’s the task undertaken by Stefan Aust and Adrian Geiges in their new biography of the Chinese leader."The Diplomat"excellent... a well-reasoned and fascinating account"New Internationalist“Refreshing and thought-provoking.”Diplomatic Courier“A valuable primer for those who don’t know much about today’s China or its leader.”Rana Mitter“One of the best China books of the year.”Bookish Asia"fascinating"Times Literary Supplement“a good introduction to contemporary China viewed from the perspective of Xi’s rule.” Sydney Morning Herald“a compelling and informative biography of China's leader that will prove to be indispensable reading for anyone interested in China and where it is heading as a global power…unreservedly recommended"Midwest Book Review

• ‘Seek Truth from Facts’ …1 Who Cares If a Sack of Rice Falls over in China?Since the emergence of Covid-19, we know that we all should2 Xi Jinping’s Family Background: The Formative YearsFrom Chinese nightmare to Chinese dream3 A Colourful Character in a Uniform CrowdXi Jinping, husband of a folk singer4 The Fight against CorruptionStalin as role model5 Persecuted by Mao – Revered Like MaoXi’s relationship with China’s towering father figure6 Confucianism and CommunismHow to combine what does not belong together7 From 5G to TikTokXi Jinping’s China: between a bright digital future and an Orwellian surveillance state8 The Dalai Lama and the UyghursHow friends of the Xi family became their enemies9 Xi for FutureThe eco-president10 The New Silk RoadXi’s path to global power11 Peace as Part of China’s DNA?The trade war and the troubled relationship with the US12 Why Xi Jinping Fears Hong Kong and TaiwanThe other, democratic China13 Will the Whole World Benefit from the Chinese Dream?From Chinese nightmare to Chinese dreamNotesSourcesBibliographyIndex